Huge €7 million investment in Longford business 

A Longford-based bread manufacturing facility is set to benefit from a staggering €7 million investment, it was revealed today.  

Panelto Foods, which is based in the Longford Business and Technology Park on the Ballinalee Road, is one of the biggest employers in the town with a staff of almost 400. 

Spearheaded by CEO Garry Walsh, Panelto Foods produces a range of speciality artisanal breads for the Irish and UK retail market, with production now looking set to increase substantially. 

The latest multi-million injection of investment means the facility can now develop a new bread line in accordance with the rapidly growing demand for their products.  

The development of a new bread line will, according to Panelto Foods, assist in helping them meet evolving consumer preferences and trends. 

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The company, which originally began as a small bakery in Tuscany, is now a state of the art facility in Longford that produces millions of breads on a daily basis. With a heavy focus on innovation, the company appears to be on track to meet its 2030 growth ambitions. 

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD said, “Panelto Foods is a fantastic example of how sustained investment in innovation and infrastructure can drive growth and competitiveness, which I have seen first-hand working closely with Panelto in Longford over the years. 

"The Government, through Enterprise Ireland, has proudly supported Panelto’s journey, and today’s announcement reflects the strength of that partnership. This investment not only enhances the company’s capabilities but also reinforces its role as a key employer and contributor to the local economy in Longford, and management and staff should be extremely proud of the community they have built."

Panelto Foods currently employs 370 people at its Longford campus, which comprises of a state-of-the-art bakery, an R&D Innovation Centre, and a dedicated training hub.

The company specialises in in-store bakery speciality breads for the retail and food service markets. In April of this year, Panelto Foods launched its most recent innovation, Italian Style Focaccia Sandwich Breads which has already exceeded expectations in both the UK and Irish markets.

Garry Walsh, CEO of Panelto Foods, said: “Our continued growth has been built on a culture and mindset of innovation. Our insights and R&D team never stand still, and we have invested heavily in understanding consumer and retail trends, strengthening our R&D capabilities. Ultimately, you cannot execute innovation without a great team. Here in Longford, we have highly talented and dedicated workforce with people from over forty different nationalities, bringing a wealth of experience, perspectives and innovation to our business. We’re proud to be a significant employer in the Midlands and to continue delivering high-quality, exciting bakery solutions to our customers across Ireland and the UK.”

Speaking about the news of the investment, Cllr Kevin Hussey spoke to Longford Live of the ripple effect such an investment will create. 

"Any kind of investment, let along one as massive as this, can only create more for Longford as it will mean more people being employed here and hopefully more people spending here."

He added, "Longford often gets a bashing that I don't understand. I'm from here and I have a business here, so so to see this type of investment in a business that is based here is wonderful because it reflects very positively on Longford and that can only be of benefit to the community."