Boortmalt, the subsidiary of French co-op Axéréal, has commenced an expansion at its Athy facility. The expansion will extend its malting capacity by 30,000t to 130,000t. The works will include new steeping, germination and kilning vessels, as well as additional malt outloading facilities, and is expected to be operational by January 2020.Since 2018, the company has been seeking to expand its malting barley intake by up to 50,000t and has met with farmers in counties Louth, Meath, Westmeath, Galway, Donegal and Cork, in a bid to increase its existing base of 670 growers.