Dungannon-based Dunbia bought Stevenson’s pork processing business in Cullybackey, which was facing closure due to rising costs, in January.

At the time it was announced that the deal had saved 100 jobs and could potentially create 70 more, according to a report in the Belfast Telegraqph.

However, Dunbia has announced that it has increased its workforce by 92 since making the acquisition, which was part-funded by Bank of Ireland.

The deal enabled Dunbia to start to build its pork distribution business, and add 48 staff at the Stevenson plant, which now operates as Dunbia Ballymena, teh Belfast Telegraph says.

The growth in Dunbia’s pork business has also created 44 jobs at its existing Dungannon facility.