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Deliciously famous family-run business aiming to expand at Milford base

An iconic Northern Ireland food brand is planning an extension to its County Armagh base.

Pinkertons – based at Magheraville Road at Milford – has been manufacturing quality local meat products, including bacon, sausages and gammon, for more than 50 years.

It is a giant of a name for local quality meats and sits alongside Cookstown and Denny as one of our home-grown favourites.

The business has been in the Johnston family for many years, having started out as the Armagh Bacon Agency.

Next year will mark the 20th anniversary since Eric Johnston built a fully EC standardised plant in Milford.

It was one of a number of extensions to the business, and it was Eric who had originally acquired the Pinkerton brand name, one which actually can trace roots as far back as the 1890s.

The business is now being run by a younger generation of the family.

But it continues to go from strength to strength, producing quality fayre and providing welcome employment opportunities in the area.

The business is now hoping to construct a further extension at Milford.

Plans have been submitted to Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council which would see a sizeable increase to the premises in all areas, including production facilities, office accommodation, storage and other ancillary uses.

Approval is being sought for a ground and first floor expansion to the main office and reception area, as well as processing area and first floor laboratory control room and canteen.

Council officials have been told that the company currently employs 30 staff and the extension would see the creation of a further three jobs if approved.

The plan is the latest in a line of expansions carried out by the business – which meets the needs of both the catering and retail industry – over the years.

The business sources only the best local produce from local farmers and the latest development plans – if approved – will allow it to continue to grow and keep apace with the changes within Ireland’s fast moving food industry.

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