Background

From its origins as a small farm business in County Armagh, it has grown into one of Europe’s leading pet food manufacturers, employing more than 275 people across its Moy and Moygashel sites. The company has invested over £40 million in facilities, technology and expansion since 2016, creating skilled jobs and long-term career opportunities within the local community.

As the business continues to grow, Mackle Petfoods has embedded a people-first culture built around its values of caring, innovation, quality, integrity and sustainability. Recognising that talent attraction, retention and development are critical to future success, the company has implemented a structured people strategy focused on employee wellbeing, leadership development, career progression and workforce engagement. This approach is supported by visible leadership, employee consultation and sustained investment in creating an environment where employees can thrive.

What Mackle Petfoods did

Mackle Petfoods has taken a proactive and flexible approach to becoming an employer of choice by investing heavily in employee development, wellbeing and engagement. In 2024 alone, the company invested £250,000 beyond essential training requirements to support learning, leadership and retention initiatives. A dedicated HR Officer was appointed to lead talent development programmes and strengthen partnerships with schools, colleges and universities, helping to build a sustainable talent pipeline through apprenticeships, placements and graduate opportunities.

To support employee growth and retention, the business launched a formal mentoring programme, with trained internal mentors providing structured guidance to graduates, apprentices and placement students. Leadership development was also strengthened through coaching for senior leaders and bespoke management training, helping to create a consistent, values-led leadership culture across the organisation.

Employee voice and wellbeing are central to the company’s approach. The introduction of the multilingual PAWS App has improved communication and engagement across a diverse 24-hour workforce, while employee feedback mechanisms directly influence workplace policies and wellbeing initiatives. Mackle Petfoods has also invested in practical wellbeing support, including dedicated wellbeing rooms, Mental Health First Aiders, health and financial wellbeing clinics, and enhanced employee benefits. Demonstrating its commitment to fair and responsible employment, the company became the first large food manufacturing business in Northern Ireland to introduce the Real Living Wage in December 2024.

Key Impacts and Results

• 90% of employees said they would recommend Mackle Petfoods as an employer, based on an independent survey with over 90% participation
• 93% of employees understand what is expected in their role, while 88% feel their role matters and they are adequately trained
• Apprenticeships increased by 250% and student placements increased by 900%, strengthening the future talent pipeline
• Six graduates and apprentices have progressed into permanent roles since 2023, demonstrating successful talent retention and career development
• The company has trained 45 Mental Health First Aiders and established wellbeing facilities across sites, improving access to support for employees on all shifts
• Mackle Petfoods became the first large food manufacturing company in Northern Ireland to implement the Real Living Wage, while also recognising employee loyalty through more than £100,000 in rewards and 218 additional leave days for long-serving staff

What the judges said:

“This locally grown, family-run business puts people at its heart each and every day. With a diverse workforce, the company listens to everyone, including all those representing 11 language groups. The company evidenced all of its activity with strong statistics and a demonstrable impact on its profits.”