Glenisk’s future is “uncertain” after a fire destroyed the dairy company’s manufacturing facility in Co Offaly yesterday morning (Monday, September 27th, 2021).
Vincent Cleary, managing director, spoke of the devastation on RTÉ Morning Ireland this morning (Tuesday).
Glenisk fire
Cleary explained that the fire started in its yoghurt production facility and spread “quickly”.
The blaze broke out at approximately 11 am yesterday, and 50 staff were immediately evacuated.
He explained that “basically everything” was lost after the fire broke out on the premises.
Cleary revealed that the factory was “pretty much a burnt-out shell”, but “we need to get back on shelves as quickly as we possibly can”.
In a statement on social media, a spokesperson said: “Devastated to confirm a serious fire at our plant today.”
“All colleagues safely evacuated. Their well-being is our priority. We will assess the damage and move forward. Heartfelt thanks to the emergency services. “
In another statement, a spokesperson said:
“On this, the blackest of days, the outpouring of love is a beacon.”
“Thanks to each and every one of you who has been in touch. Many of you are asking how to help. Here is how.”
“Keep some space for us in your hearts (and fridges). We will be back very soon. Meantime, consider supporting another local producer.”
“If you can, help Self Helf Africa with a small donation to the #OneMillionTrees campaign. We are so close to reaching 2 million trees, and we may not now be able to get them over the line as we had hoped.”
“Today was a bad day for Glenisk, but much worse for others in the world.”
“Tomorrow’s a new day, here in beautiful Offaly,” the statement concluded.
About Glenisk
For three decades, the Cleary family has been involved in yoghurt production in Killeigh, beside the farm where founder, Jack, and his wife, Mary, raised fourteen children.
Several of the children are at the heart of the business today. This company states that regardless of how much it grows, this ensures it “remains faithful and true to Jack’s vision of producing delicious, nutritious and ethical products in Ireland”.
Glenisk states that it works with 50 farmers to source quality organic milk and uses 90% of the organic milk produced in Ireland.
