Latest news with #PaulVernon
Agriland
3 hours ago
- Business
- Agriland
Leprino Foods Company to close Portlaoise cheese plant
Leprino Foods Company has today (Tuesday, August 19) announced that its Portlaoise cheese manufacturing plant will close in the second half of 2026. The Co. Laois facility, where 132 people are currently employed, produces mozzarella and string cheese. The company said that the decision followed "a comprehensive evaluation of all possible options to improve the financial and operational performance of the Portlaoise site". However, it said that despite "considerable efforts", the level of sustainable improvement needed could not be achieved. Commenting on the decision to close the Portlaoise facility, Paul Vernon, chief executive of Leprino Europe, said: 'We understand the impact this announcement will have on our colleagues, their families, and the local community. 'We want to express our sincere gratitude to the talented team at Portlaoise. This decision does not lessen the value of their hard work or contributions," he said. Leprino said that it is "committed to supporting employees throughout this transition", along with ensuring continuity of supply for its customers. The company added that it will provide enhanced redundancy packages to staff, career transition assistance, and regular updates to ensure transparency at every stage. Source: Leprino Foods Company Production will be transitioned to other Leprino Europe facilities in Magheralin, Northern Ireland, and Llangefni, Wales. The transition will be carefully managed to avoid any disruption to customer service, the company said. "In parallel to the above we will continue to explore opportunities for the site with any potentially interested third parties," it added. Leprino Europe, which is headquartered in the UK, is part of the US-based Leprino Foods Company. The company is one of the largest producers of mozzarella cheese in the world, while also a leading supplier of lactose, whey protein, micellar casein, and sweet whey. Leprino employs around 5,500 people worldwide and has global sales in over 79 countries.
The Irish Sun
14 hours ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Major cheese company confirms closure of Irish manufacturing plant in Laois as 132 jobs under threat
The confirmed closure of the manufacturing plant is set to occur in the second half of 2026 WORK WOES Major cheese company confirms closure of Irish manufacturing plant in Laois as 132 jobs under threat A MAJOR cheese company has confirmed their plans to close a manufacturing plant in Portlaoise in the second half of next year. The US cheese company Leprino Foods has announced its closure plans for the manufacturing plant in Co Laois, which currently employs around 132 Irish employees. The firm, which produces mozzarella and string cheese, said the "difficult" decision was taken after a "comprehensive evaluation" of all possible options to improve the financial and operational performance of the Portlaoise plant. Some 132 staff work at the Laois site. The confirmed closure of the manufacturing plant is set to occur in the second half of 2026. In a statement, Chief Executive of Leprino Europe Paul Vernon said: "Despite considerable efforts, the level of sustainable improvement needed could not be achieved. "Closing the site will help ensure that Leprino can remain competitive while optimising its manufacturing footprint to continue meeting the evolving needs of customers. 'We understand the impact this announcement will have on our colleagues, their families, and the local community. 'We want to express our sincere gratitude to the talented team at Portlaoise. This decision does not lessen the value of their hard work or contributions.' Leprino said it will provide enhanced redundancy packages as well as career transition assistance to employees. It is also understood the current production in Portlaoise will be transitioned to other European sites in Magheralin in Northern Ireland and Llangefni in Wales. They added: "The company will provide enhanced redundancy packages, career transition assistance, and regular updates to ensure transparency at every stage." 'CONTINUE TO EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES' "In parallel to the above we will continue to explore opportunities for the site with any potentially interested third parties." Leprino has only been in operation in Portlaoise since 2020. It started as a family-owned company in Denver, Colorado, in 1950 when Mike Leprino Sr started making mozzarella cheese for his family's corner grocery shop. Leprino is now one of the largest producers of mozzarella cheese in the world, and also supplies lactose, whey protein, micellar casein, and sweet whey. It employs more than 5,500 people globally and has global sales in 80 countries.
Toronto Sun
29-04-2025
- Toronto Sun
Man arrested following death of ice hockey player Adam Johnson won't face charges
Published Apr 29, 2025 • 2 minute read Pittsburgh Penguins forward Adam Johnson in action during an NHL hockey game in Columbus, Ohio, Friday, Sept. 22, 2017. Photo by Paul Vernon / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS LONDON (AP) — A man arrested on suspicion of manslaughter following the death of ice hockey player Adam Johnson has been told he will not face any charges, British prosecutors said Tuesday. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Johnson played for the Nottingham Panthers and died shortly after his neck had been sliced in a collision with Sheffield Steelers defenseman Matt Petgrave during a game on Oct. 28, 2023. A man was arrested two weeks later and though South Yorkshire Police has not publicly identified him, Petgrave himself said in a crowdfunding appeal for legal fees that he's the subject of a police investigation. On Tuesday, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) decided it would not bring criminal charges against the man arrested following what it described as 'a shocking and deeply upsetting incident.' 'The CPS and South Yorkshire Police have worked closely together to determine whether any criminal charges should be brought against the other ice hockey player involved,' Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor Michael Quinn said. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'Following a thorough police investigation and a comprehensive review of all the evidence by the CPS, we have concluded that there is not a realistic prospect of conviction for any criminal offence and so there will not be a prosecution. Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Adam Johnson.' After his arrest, Petgrave had been re-bailed several times while the investigation took place. Johnson had skated with the puck into Sheffield's defensive zone when Petgrave collided with another Panthers player nearby. Petgrave's left skate elevated as he began to fall and the blade hit Johnson in the neck. The native of Hibbing, Minnesota, was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. The death of the 29-year-old former Pittsburgh Penguins player sparked debate across the sport about improving safety for players. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Petgrave, a 32-year-old Canadian, had support from some of Johnson's teammates. Victor Björkung had told a Swedish newspaper there 'isn't a chance that it's deliberate.' Björkung had played the pass to Johnson and said he was traumatized by what he saw. He left the team as a result. Johnson was in his first season at Nottingham — one of the 'import' players in the Elite Ice Hockey League — after stints in Germany and a handful of games for the Penguins in the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons. Johnson was living with fiancee Ryan Wolfe and studying at Loughborough Business School. The English Ice Hockey Association, which governs the sport below the Elite League, reacted to Johnson's death by requiring all players in England to wear neck guards from the start of 2024. Read More Federal Elections Columnists Federal Elections Columnists Sunshine Girls
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Three new health tech start-ups set to revolutionise healthcare through AI
THREE promising north west start-ups are set to revolutionise healthcare through artificial intelligence. Decently, Talk It Out, and Leaf AI are the latest additions to the Science and Technology Facilities Council's (STFC) Daresbury Laboratory, joining one of the UK's most successful networks of Business Incubation Centres (BICs). Their goal is to enhance patient care and succeed in global markets with their AI innovations. Decently is focused on improving the treatment of patients with brain injuries. The digital health start-up has developed an AI-powered platform called Melo that is already in use in some UK hospitals. The platform helps clinicians manage the challenging behaviours of patients with brain injuries, dementia, PTSD, and learning difficulties, by improving diagnoses, management, and rehabilitation. Melo streamlines assessments and enhances understanding of complex behavioural needs, thereby improving patient outcomes. The BIC programme provides Decently with access to STFC's research and development facilities, aiding its software development and exploring its potential for broader healthcare applications. Talk It Out is enhancing mental health support by integrating AI with walking and talking therapy. They are developing an interactive app that analyses the user's voice in real time to identify emotional cues. The app provides helpful insights, allowing users to better understand their emotions and priorities. As part of the BIC Programme, Talk It Out is advancing the development of its AI prototype. Leaf AI aims to assist those living with dementia. The health tech start-up has developed an AI-enabled app, Leafstory, which helps users document their memories and life stories, enabling them to share these moments with others. Adam Galloway, co-founder and CTO of Leaf AI, said: "The support we are receiving from the BIC programme has been critical for our growth plan over the next 12 months. "Having a presence at Daresbury Laboratory lets us work with many other businesses who operate with similar tech to us. "We're excited to grow here and continue our relationship with other R&D driven businesses." Paul Vernon, head of STFC's Daresbury Laboratory, said: "AI has the potential to revolutionise healthcare, and I am proud to support these innovative start-ups driving that change right here at Daresbury Laboratory. "By providing access to our world-class facilities and expertise, we're accelerating innovations that enhance patient care and support across the healthcare sector, benefitting the UK economy and society." Each start-up benefits from £50,000 in non-dilutive funding and a broad range of bespoke business support. This combination of funding, support, and resources enables start-ups to accelerate product development and achieve commercial success.
Yahoo
16-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Celebration as major milestone reached by start-up company
A UK start-up is celebrating a major business milestone. IoT Horizon, based at the Science and Technology Facilities Council's (STFC) Daresbury Laboratory, has been acquired by Sustainable Investments Ltd. The acquisition has led to a rebranding of the company as Sustainable Smart Technologies. This marks a significant step forward in the company's mission to create safer, healthier, and more energy-efficient buildings. For more than seven years, the company has been at the forefront of developing environmental and energy monitoring solutions. Using Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, the company has been creating systems that provide real-time insights to improve air quality, reduce energy consumption, optimise space utilisation, and enhance the wellbeing of building occupants. Paul Vernon, head of STFC's Daresbury Laboratory, said: "Sustainable Smart Technologies exemplifies the groundbreaking innovation that is thriving amongst the businesses located here at Daresbury Laboratory, and the wider Sci-Tech Daresbury campus. "Its work is playing a pivotal role in shaping our sustainable, energy-efficient buildings of the future, delivering tangible benefits to society." One of the new solutions developed by Sustainable Smart Technologies is a portable air quality monitoring system. This has already been instrumental in helping organisations understand and respond to the pressing need for healthier indoor environments. The company has been using the advanced research facilities and skills support available within the Campus Technology Hub at Daresbury Laboratory to develop and bring its cutting-edge environmental and energy monitoring solutions to the market more rapidly. The acquisition comes at an important time as people become more aware of the need for better air quality and healthier indoor environments. Deyrick Allen, founder of IoT Horizon and now commercial director of Sustainable Smart Technologies, said: "Being located at Daresbury Laboratory has allowed us to be part of an ecosystem beneficial to start-up companies. "Based in the CTH, we have the lab space to work hands on and test our products, having access to STFC resources, networking opportunities and the generation of leads beneficial for our commercial projects."
