According to Irish Examiner.com, Liam Dowdall of Smith & Williamson Freaney had continued to operate the plant as a going concern since his appointment as receiver and manager by Bank of Scotland last month.

Mr Dowdall said: "We had a confidence that Ribworld would attract investment and we are pleased to secure the employment of a skilled labour force which will be an important element of the continued future success of the company."

Ribworld is one of Europe’s largest producers of pre-cooked pork ribs. It has a strong core market in Ireland and abroad, particularly in Scandinavia.