WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A LOCAL BUSINESS MAKES IT BIG?

From a small village in Co. Monaghan to homes and hotels around the world, Mullan Lighting’s growth reflects how international success can support local communities.

In the heart of Co. Monaghan, bespoke light fittings manufactured in a small village are finding their way into architect-designed buildings across the world.

For Mullan Lighting, a small business that started up in an abandoned boot factory in its eponymous village, international growth has transformed the scale of the company. Today, it exports around 90% of its production outside of Ireland. But despite its global customer base, the business remains firmly rooted in the village where it began.

“Mullan isn’t just part of our name”, says Edel Treanor, Director of the family-owned business, “It’s a very real part of who we are.”

In recent years, Mullan Lighting has focussed on expanding its production and its international reach, with the help of a number of Enterprise Ireland supports including the Market Research Grant. The company now specialises in bespoke lighting solutions supplied to customers across multiple international markets.

Mullan Lighting's story reflects a broader trend in Irish enterprise, where indigenous businesses across the country are pursuing growth opportunities overseas while continuing to invest in the communities where they were founded.

Last year, Enterprise Ireland-supported companies employed over 232,000 people and generated over €38bn in export sales. While these figures demonstrate the scale of their success, the impact is often most visible at a local level.

In a village the size of Mullan, a growing business can contribute much more than employment numbers. Mullan Lighting has played a key role in the redevelopment of the village itself. Around 30 of their 100 employees live locally in cottages that the business helped renovate, and it is also investing in a community centre, playground, café and local walking trails.

These connections with the local area are part of what makes home-grown business different. Their success often creates a ripple effect locally, supporting families, strengthening local economies and helping communities thrive.

Mullan Lighting is a shining example of a business that fully understands that supporting a community isn’t just about creating jobs, but proudly helping people build their lives and careers close to home.

That pride is a central part of what drives both business and community forward. Businesses benefit from a skilled workforce, local knowledge and strong community ties. Communities benefit from stable employment, career opportunities and investment that helps keep economic activity within the region.

For Edel, maintaining that connection has always been important. "Every product we make reflects the care and craftsmanship of our team," she says. "But just as important to us is the community we’re helping to build too."

And this trend is increasingly evident across Ireland. In 2025, 69% of jobs created in Enterprise Ireland-supported companies were outside Dublin. Those jobs brought in over €13.5 billion in wages, wages that are spent across the local community.

From manufacturing and engineering to fintech and life sciences, Irish companies are winning business around the world while remaining deeply rooted in their communities.

Discover more stories of Enterprise Ireland-supported businesses growing internationally and creating opportunities at home at growinghome.ie.