CRAIGAVON, NORTHERN IRELAND – Moy Park, the largest meat producer in Northern Ireland, announced an investment of more than 4 million pounds ($5 million) in safety measures to protect its employees during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The investment includes several measures that have been implemented throughout its facilities since late March, as well as reward payments to its employees to thank them for their work during challenging times.

“Our key workers are Food Heroes who have been working harder than ever to ensure we continue to provide society with safe, nutritious food in these uncertain and unprecedented times,” said Kirsty Wilkins, Human Resources and Performance director at Moy Park. “We are proud of our team and their efforts to feed the nation and keep our supermarket shelves stocked.”

The safety measures include installing Perspex screens, one-way traffic flow systems throughout the facility, staggered breaks to keep employees separated, socially distanced rest and break areas, as well as additional personal protective equipment (PPE). The company is also adding temperature screening procedures at its plants.

“Safety is a condition at Moy Park, and we have worked tirelessly over the last 11 weeks to implement all best practice measures available to help safeguard our Food Heroes,” Wilkins said. “We follow all government guidelines and created bespoke solutions early on, with many of them now recognized as leading the way for food processors.

“As a food business, we already operate to some of the highest standards globally and our teams work in a controlled hygienic environment, which is routinely sanitized and where strict handwashing and other cleanliness protocols are the norm. Our strategy is focused on doing everything we can to halt the virus from coming into our facilities, and to minimize any potential spread. We will continue to evaluate the situation daily and take all measures necessary to safeguard our staff.”