Dunmore Company to Expand Operations and Create 14 New Jobs - Treacy

Mr Noel Treacy, T.D., Minister for Science, Technology and Commerce today (Monday 5th July, 1999) announced details of a major expansion of Folding Attic Stairs Ltd located in Dunmore, Co Galway. The expansion includes investment in new plant and machinery together with building modifications and is supported by Enterprise Ireland. The expanded capacity of the plant will manufacture product to meet a 60% increase in sales resulting from first time exports for the company. 14 additional jobs are being created bringing total numbers employed in the company to 33.

The company manufactures and fits attic stairs, which are made from pine using standard joinery equipment. The company's main product is the Stira Folding Attic stairs which is unique to the Irish market and has survived the competition from imports.

Making the announcement Minister Treacy said "I am delighted to see this company continue to expand and make this timely investment in plant and equipment in order to achieve its growth potential. Although in existence since 1982 this is the first year the company has exported to Northern Ireland and they have plans to start selling into the Scottish market.

Minister Treacy continued "Operating from a rural area in Galway, Folding Attic Stairs Ltd is a prime example to others in similiar circumstances of just what can be achieved. From small beginnings the company has demonstrated that with determination, the right product, and the will to win at home and now overseas, everything is possible. Gaining a foothold in export markets for the first time is a critical factor in securing the future for the company."

According to Michael Burke, Managing Director, Folding Attic Stairs Ltd "We have identified new markets in Northern Ireland and Scotland and are also targeting the new housing sector in the Republic. The potential for growth is particularly high in the new house sector as new houses tend to have limited storage space. Currently 40,000 new homes are built a year and only 1000 attic stairs were installed in these. In order to exploit this market and the Scottish and Northern Ireland markets more effectively we have hired a marketing manager."

According to Martin Boyle, Regional Director, Enterprise Ireland, "Giving assistance to companies like this is an important part of Enterprise Ireland's strategy to grow sales and exports by our client companies. A key part of that strategy is to increase the number of companies exporting for the first time and help them identify new markets for their products.