Tirlán dedicates €126M to scaling Irish whey protein production facility

Tirlán is injecting €126 million (US$146 million) into a state-of-the-art whey processing facility at its Ballyragget site in Kilkenny, Ireland. As the dairy company’s largest value-add investment to date, the capital is directed toward its whey processing and product innovation capacities. 

The new facility will focus on the production of an “advanced” nutritional whey protein product portfolio, including clear whey protein isolate, which is featured in trending ready-to-drink sports beverages like protein lemonade.

Tirlán expects the water-neutral and carbon-efficient site to be operational by mid-2027.

“Today marks another milestone in the proud history of Tirlán and the Ballyragget site which has been synonymous with dairy innovation for many years now,” says Ireland’s Minister for Agriculture, Food, and the Marine, Martin Heydon, who attended the facility’s announcement event.

“This multi-million-euro investment in whey protein processing capability represents not just a commitment to Tirlán’s future, but to the Irish dairy industry as a whole. Whey has transformed from what was once considered just a by-product of cheese making into one of the most valuable and versatile nutritional ingredients in the world.”

Heydon cites Tirlán’s grass-based milk production, traceability standards, and processing innovations lending to a “strong competitive advantage.” He notes international demand for whey ingredients continues to grow across sports nutrition, lifestyle products, infant formula, and medical nutrition.

Scaling capacity and flexibility

Tirlán expects that, once operational, the facility will significantly boost its capacity and flexibility to create whey-based products.

Calling the investment a “real vote of confidence” in the Irish dairy sector, Tirlán chairperson John Murphy adds: “This project isn’t just about building capacity, it’s about creating a platform for long-term growth, innovation, and global leadership in whey protein nutrition. This is how we turn consumer demand into sustainable opportunity.”

“Ballyragget is already one of Europe’s largest integrated dairy processing sites, and this development will position Tirlán at the forefront of global nutritional protein innovation. It reflects our financial strength and long-term commitment to creating more value for our suppliers, customers, and rural communities.”

Tirlán chief executive Seán Molloy comments that the move ensures the company “remains relevant in a changing and growing market” highlighting a growing importance to support customers’ “evolving needs.”

He also points to the essential role of the R&D program at Tirlán’s Innovation Centre in this investment. “Every product is driven by consumer insights and R&D excellence, ensuring relevance and impact.”

Previously, Nutrition Insight spoke to Tirlán about consumers’ growing awareness of how foods impact longevity and how this drives demand for scientifically backed ingredients that target gut, brain, and metabolic health benefits.

Last month, our sister platform Food Ingredients First hosted an exclusive webinar with Tirlán to explore how the dairy expert unlocks innovative bakery opportunities with its grass-fed butters, dairy proteins, and oat-based flakes and flours.