Irish Father-of-five helps attract 70 manufacturing jobs to Co Meath

Michael McLoughlin CEO ConnectIreland, Mathew Gilfillan Mafic, Bernadette Brannigan Mafic, Hugh Morris Connector, Brian Dougan MD Mafic and Terry Clune Founder of ConnectIreland.

Image: ConnectIreland

Up to 70 manufacturing jobs are to be created at a basalt fibre production facility in Co Meath over the next three years.

The positions, which were announced by the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation as part of the Government's action plan on jobs, will be based at Mafic Ireland's new Kells plant. The Canadian company moved to Ireland and set up the facility with the help of ConnectIreland's Succeed-in-Ireland Initiative and the IDA.

Making the announcement, Minister Richard Bruton said it is 'great news' for Meath and an example of what it is aiming to achieve with this initiative. 

'Through local connections and with support from my Department through IDA Ireland, a manufacturing facility which otherwise would have gone elsewhere in the world is coming to employ people off the live register in a regional town which would ordinarily struggle to attract multinational investment.' 

'I commend all involved, and I am determined to ensure that we can see more announcements like this across the country in the coming months,' he added.

The Succeed-in-Ireland Initiative aims to get ordinary Irish people to attract foreign companies that are expanding internationally to Ireland by using their links to the diaspora and family members abroad.

Hugh Morris, an auctioneer and father of five, helped bring Mafic to Kells under the initiative. He will now receive a six figure sum for his part – or €1,500 for every job created. 

'It was just a simple introduction,' said Hugh, 'All I did was keep my eyes and ears open for Ireland, make the connections and introductions, and I am delighted that now, Ireland – and Kells specifically – are the lucky beneficiaries.'

Mafic Kells will be the sole production site of basalt fibre for its parent company. Mafic Canada will use the fibres produced in Kells in the manufacture of composite products for the North American markets.

The Kells operation will start with three furnaces, extending to six furnaces within 18 months. These furnaces will run 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The recruitment process for Production Operatives will take place throughout this month and next, with successful candidates for these roles commencing employment in August.  

A recruitment fair/evening will also take place in Kells in June.