Food service provider opens new hub in Limerick's county town

STAFF at one of Newcastle West’s largest employers have moved into a new state-of-the-art facility in the town.

Sysco’s facility on the western side of Limerick’s county town has undergone a €2.6m refurbishment.

Local TD and the Minister for Higher and Further Education Patrick O’Donovan was on hand to cut the ribbon at the new facility, which has come following two years of work.

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The upgrade has seen the site transformed into a modern hub for Sysco’s activities in the Mid-West, with the firm employing 400 people in Newcastle West.

Renovation work included the creation of contemporary office spaces, a development kitchen, extended warehouse space, as well as new canteen and gym facilities.

Sysco took over Pallas Foods in Newcastle West back in 2009 bringing to a close two decades of family ownership.

Mr O’Donovan, who was joined by Newcastle West Chamber president, Cllr Tom Ruddle at the re-opening, congratulated the American multi-national on the completion of the work.

“It’s an honour to be here to officially open these new facilities. Sysco is an important and valued employer in this region, it sustains families and communities far beyond these walls in so many different ways. The government recognises and supports the continued development and ambition of the Mid-West, to be a destination for enterprise and entrepreneurship and to attract more high skilled, well paid jobs.”

Sysco chief executive Mark Lee said the Newcastle West site is an important hub for the business.

The refurbishment, he added, represented a significant milestone for the company.

“As Ireland’s only food service specialist of scale, we seek to continually innovate, driving the industry forward by going above and beyond to deliver an exceptional, high-quality service to our customers across the island. Great care has been taken to ensure that this facility in the heart of the region, is not only in keeping with its natural surroundings but is well suited to meet the needs of employees, customers and suppliers alike while also supporting the company’s wider sustainability ambitions.”