Jim Bergin exits Tirlán

A ‘lifer’ with Avonmore/Glanbia/Tirlán, having worked in the organisation(s) for 40 years, Jim epitomised the straight talking, shrewd, and effective model of co-operative management. Never one to shirk the pricing challenges associated with volatile international dairy markets, producers always respected the fact that Jim Bergin was, despite all milk-price arguments, firmly dedicated to the co-operative ethos. Nevertheless, he understood the necessity to run a profitable and efficient business. His years of management roles under the constraints of a profit-focussed Plc business model prepared him well for the ultimate decision by Glanbia Co-op shareholders to reassume total control of their milk-processing assets through the establishment of Tirlán Co-operative. It was a gradualist approach with former Glanbia CEOs John Moloney and Siobhan Talbot, as well as senior management including Jim Bergin, involved in the various phases of the buy-out.
In addition to his close involvement in the financial structuring of the purchase of Glanbia’s remaining milk processing assets by Tirlán, Jim and his management team have overseen a €600m investment in expanded milk-processing facilities since quota abolition, including the new cheese-making facility at Belview, which was the subject of some controversy when An Taisce took an ultimately unsuccessful legal case to prevent its establishment. Tirlán’s milk and grain producers are acutely aware of the importance of the co-op’s importance to their financial wellbeing as the co-op pays out an estimated €2bn to its suppliers, annually. Seán Molloy, who is currently chief ingredients and agri-business officer and a director of Tirlán for the past 12 years, will assume the role of CEO next August.