Meat processor Dunbia has invested further in its Scottish operations and has acquired Lynch Quality Meats based in Ayr for an undisclosed sum. The deal brings to 13 the total number of production sites across Britain and Ireland. The group employs over 4,000 people.

Recently the group won a number of retail contracts, including sole supply status for Scottish beef, pork and lamb to Sainsbury’s and the Co-operative. Sales director Michael Doran said: “It was the next important strategic step for Dunbia”, adding that they needed to strengthen their position further in Scotland to meet this customer demand.

Dunbia has experienced significant growth over the past two years. Last year, a long-term deal was secured to supply Sainsbury’s with fresh beef after a £7.5m investment at the former Dairygold site in Felinfach, Wales. The group’s state-of-the-art lamb facility in Llanybydder also underwent a £12m redevelopment in 2012.

The purchase of two additional pork facilities in Crewe (formerly Heathfield Foods) and Mansfield (formerly G Woods & Sons) strengthened the company’s pork division increasing capacity to source and produce pork.

Dunbia, with roots in Dungannon is now the largest lamb processor in the UK and in 2013, Dunbia was awarded sole supply for lamb with Asda.