The Foyle Food Group has announced that it is investing £2 million sterling in a new lamb processing facility at its plant in Derry, a move which is expected to result in the creation of 35 new jobs.

Established in 1977, the group employs 450 people in its Northern Ireland operation - Foyle Meats in Derry, Hilton Meats in Cookstown, and Omagh Meats. A further 150 people are employed across the border in Donegal Meats. The chief executive, Mr Robert Watson, said the new facility would involve the installation of the latest processing equipment.

"We believe that this investment will sharpen our competitive edge, enabling us to offer our customers new high-quality cuts to a standard which is superior to that of any other lamb processor in the UK or mainland Europe," Mr Watson said. "We will be using new techniques, which will increase flexibility and allow us to provide more innovative products and very responsive services to customers in our target markets."