The Barry Group, has unveiled a €5.5 million expansion plan for its Mallow, Co. Cork based business.
The company is seeking planning permission for a €3.5 million expansion of its warehouse facilities in Mallow. The expansion will increase the Barry Group’s warehouse by 55,000 sq. ft., giving the company’s distribution centre a total 200,000 sq. ft. footprint over a five acre site. The expansion will create 50 new jobs for the local economy over a three year period with construction due to begin in the first quarter of 2011, subject to a successful planning application.
The Barry Group has also confirmed that four new BuyLo Superstores will open in Killarney, Waterford, Shannon and Dublin between now and the end of November. This represents a €2 million investment in fit out and stock and will lead to the creation of 60 new jobs by the end of 2010.
BuyLo is a highly successful franchise concept offering well-known brands of food and non-food items at discounted prices. There are three BuyLo Superstores currently operating in Ireland – in Ashbourne, Co. Meath, in Tralee, Co. Kerry, and the newest in Mullingar which had a hugely successful opening in August.
Jim Barry, Managing Director of the Barry Group, is bullish about Ireland’s economic prospects in the short to medium term: “As a country we need to move beyond the negative business environment of the past two years and look forward to a brighter future. The continued growth and expansion of our business is tangible proof that there are significant opportunities in the marketplace for companies brave enough to seek them out and take advantage of them”.
About the Barry Group
In business for more than 50 years, the Barry Group is one of Ireland’s leading wholesale and distribution groups. The company employs 250 staff and supplies product to over 700 stores, including 237 affiliated stores in the Republic of Ireland operating under the Costcutter, Carry Out, BuyLo and Quik Pick brands. As well as operating in Ireland, The Barry Group trades internationally in over 10 countries. The company also services a large number of independent retailers and independent off licences throughout the country.
Financials: Recently filed year-end results show that Barry Group outperformed the entire grocery industry, in what was one of the most difficult year’s trading for the Irish grocery sector. Profit at the Group was €3m (representing 12% increase on 2008), a performance unmatched by any other large wholesale chain during unprecedented market conditions.