An €11 million plus investment programme has commenced to develop and upgrade the entire 52-strong local branch network of Tirlán, formerly Glanbia Ireland, with work in its Castlelyons, Athboy and Bunclody stores already underway.
The 100% farmer-owned Co-op says the landmark investment package is part of a range of measures to future-proof its agri, retail and garden centre services in rural communities across 11 counties.
Phase one of the investment programme sees stores in Castlelyons, Ashford, Monasterevin, Athboy and Bennettsbridge undergo significant renovations. Followed by phase two branches in Dungarvan, Kilmeaden and Tullamore. The first new concept store revamp in Bunclody will be completed in early 2023.
The branch improvements are a further sign of Tirlán’s commitment to serving the evolving needs of its loyal customers in rural communities into the future. It also clearly demonstrates its promise to support local jobs and rural economies, as outlined in the Co-op’s ‘Living Proof’ sustainability strategy.
EVOLVING TO COMMUNITY & FARMER NEEDS
The €11 million plus plan will also include a significant upgrading of branch IT infrastructure with new technologies that will make the overall customer experience more enjoyable and efficient.
Tirlán Chairman, John Murphy said that Tirlán’s branches are the heartbeat of many local communities and this investment signifies the Co-op’s commitment to playing its part in enriching the lives of those living in rural Ireland.
“As a farmer-owned co-operative, Tirlán is committed to developing a modern network of stores that service the evolving needs of farmers and the communities we serve,” he said. “We will be developing and upgrading our branches over the next 4-5 years and adding new Tirlán CountryLife garden centres at our existing branches in both Athboy, Co. Meath and Bennettsbridge in Co Kilkenny.
“We will improve the customer experience across all our branches in order to better service the evolving needs of our customers in communities. Many of these communities have lost their local post office, shops and other services in recent years and we aim to play our part in ensuring they remain vibrant and self-sufficient,” he continued.
REBRANDING
Tirlán’s new branding will be rolled out across the reinvigorated network. This rebrand, which is already underway, will see agri stores rebranded to ‘Tirlán FarmLife’, and agri stores with garden centres rebranded to ‘Tirlán CountryLife’.
The investment programme was unveiled at the first of Tirlán’s regional Farmer Information Meetings in Dungarvan in county Waterford. Further investment is being rolled out in areas such as people development and training, along with development of Farm Hardware Centres of Excellence and the creation of a dedicated distribution warehouse in Portlaoise.
