Wellman celebrate 40th anniversary with €5m investment

Jenny McGovern

Mullagh based company Wellman International celebrated its 40th anniversary with the announcement of a €5million installation as the first phase of its proposed investment plans over the next three to four years. Wellman International is Europe’s largest producer of high quality polyester staple fibres, made primarily from post-consumer recycled material for various end-uses, and is part of the Indorama Group.
Frank Gleeson, managing director was delighted to share the news with his staff .
“Following an in-depth strategic review with our parent company, we are very pleased to be making this investment announcement on our 40th anniversary which will enable us to manufacture a higher value product portfolio and maintain our current level of employment on site. I would like to acknowledge the significant contribution of the workforce who continue to deliver focused effort, commitment and flexibility through this transformation process.”
Local management and staff were joined for the announcement by Mr Aloke Lohia, CEO of Indorama Ventures Ltd , Mr S P Lohia, Chairman Indorama Ventures Ltd and Ms Aradhana Lohia, who visited the facility. The ambitious plan is to be supported by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation through IDA Ireland.
Barry O’Leary, CEO, IDA Ireland said: “A key focus for IDA in regional locations is to ensure that our client companies retain the employment levels they currently have and help identify new areas of growth or opportunity for expansion and investment. Wellman have been an excellent employer for 40 years in Cavan, and this investment demonstrates the company’s commitment to Ireland in the long term.”
Boost
Fine Gael TD for Cavan and Monaghan, Deputy Joe O’Reilly, enthused: “I am delighted to have learned that Wellman International in Mullagh will be getting a boost of €5million as part of a long-term investment plan. Wellman’s employs 260 people on site, many of them from local towns and villages in the County,” Deputy Joe O’Reilly told The Anglo-Celt. “The investment will facilitate the transformation of the operation from a commodity non-woven provider to hygiene and technically focused supply base aligned to the established markets for personal care.
“I understand that Wellman’s has recently celebrated its 40th Birthday and it has long been a strong employer in the region. It is great news for Wellman’s, for its employers and for the County. The announcement will ensure maintenance of the current workforce and the investment demonstrates the company’s long term commitment to Mullagh and to Ireland.”