US Consul Highlights Strong Economic and Cultural Ties During Ards and North Down Visit

Today, Wednesday 28 August 2024, the US Consul, James Applegate, visited Ards and North Down. The visit included tours of key local businesses and educational institutions, highlighting the region's economic and cultural ties with the United States.

Lakeland Dairies (Pritchitts), Newtownards

The visit commenced at Lakeland Dairies in Newtownards, where the US Consul met with the team. Lakeland Dairies, with approximately 260 employees, has a rich history of over 100 years in producing high-quality dairy products. The company sources fresh milk from 3,200 family-owned farms and serves customers in over 80 countries, including the United States. The Newtownards facility specialises in long-life milk products like UHT milk, contributing significantly to Ireland's dairy industry's growth.

WHALE, part of NAVICO Group, Bangor

Next, the US Consul visited WHALE, a global supplier of high-quality low voltage pump, plumbing, and heating systems for mobile units such as marine vessels, caravans, motorhomes, and healthcare environments. Acquired by Brunswick Corporation in 2014 and now part of the Navico Group, WHALE employs around 200 people and exports globally, including to the US.

Copeland Distillery, Donaghadee

The tour continued at Copeland Distillery, which was established in 2016 and is located near the historic harbour of Donaghadee. The distillery employs 17 people and produces award-winning gins, rums, and a new range of malt and pot-still whiskey. Copeland Distillery exports its products to various countries, including the US, through its distributor Tradebright.

The visit concluded with the US Consul meeting Glenlola Collegiate Principal Mr. Eric Thompson, teacher Mr. Keith Dorman, and six pupils. The students presented their experiences from a recent exchange visit to Tallwood High School in Virginia Beach, part of the longstanding Sister Cities relationship between North Down and Virginia Beach.

Speaking during the visit, the Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Alistair Cathcart said, "We are delighted to welcome the US Consul to Ards and North Down. This visit underscores the strong economic and cultural ties between our region and the United States. The collaboration and innovation demonstrated by our local businesses and educational institutions are a testament to our community's resilience and forward-thinking spirit. We look forward to fostering even deeper connections in the future."

Consul General James Applegate added, "In June I was honoured to join political and civil leaders in Ards and North Down to commemorate the Borough's unique role in advance of D-Day.  I was delighted to return today to learn more about our present-day connections in business and educational exchange.  I am grateful to Ards and North Down Borough Council, as well as local business and academic leaders, for building these exciting and mutually-beneficial links."

ENDS.