Linden Foods the Dungannon-based meat processor paid tribute to pioneer and animal welfare expert, Dr Temple Grandin at the ‘Building Capacity Conference’ for Autism recently at the sold-out event at Titanic Belfast.

The Co. Tyrone manufacturer who employs over 1000 people and is part of the farmer’s co-operative Fane Valley became headline sponsor for the conference and was quick to give joint praise to the conference organiser and highlighted the great intervention work and family support they provide since opening in 2007 and went on to express their appreciation to guest speaker and world renowned Dr. Temple Grandin, for leading the way in improving facilities designed for livestock and implementing welfare programmes which are embedded into the day-to-day practices at Linden Foods.

Speaking at the conference, Gerry Maguire – Managing Director for Linden Foods said, “It gives us great pleasure to partner with Middletown Centre for Autism and to show our support for this wonderful event. As a business with a large-scale workforce, we are very aware of the many challenges and hardships that face our people everyday.  Autism is extremely far reaching with more than 300 children in Northern Ireland diagnosed every year; affecting many Linden families, so we have been motivated to help.”

 “When we first heard that Dr Grandin was confirmed as guest speaker for the event, we were extremely excited. Her achievements are remarkable for someone living with Autism. Temple has been instrumental in implementing and improving handling for animals on farm and in factory, she has revolutionized how we operate and function at our primal facility and her devotion as a scientist and innovation demonstrated as an agricultural equipment designer, not to mention the numerous awards and accolades are truly unbelievable and her pioneering animal welfare auditing strategies are now used by McDonalds and many more global food companies.”  Concluded Gerry. 

Caption: (L-R) William Waugh – Procurement Director, Linden Foods, Dr Temple Grandin and Gerry Maquire – Managing Director, Linden Foods