Burgmann Packings Celebrate 30 Years of Irish Operations with Expansion of Research and Development Project.

‘Sealing Manufacturer expands RD&I in order to reach new markets where technology has not been previously used.’

Tanáiste Mary Coughlan TD today (Monday 1^st December 2008) announced the expansion of Burgmann Packings Ltd’s Research, Development and Innovation Operation, with an investment in excess of €500,000 at the company’s manufacturing plant at Tallaght in Co. Dublin. She said, “ I am delighted to see Burgmann Packings Ltd. demonstrate the transformations necessary to survive in the global economy of today, seeking out new markets and new products through innovation. I also congratulate them as I understand this announcement coincides with the company’s celebration of its 30^th year of business in Ireland, with the aid of Government and IDA Ireland.”

Burgmann Packings Ltd., headquartered in Germany, first set up in Ireland in 1978 with just 10 employees and 3 machines manufacturing products including packings, gaskets and graphite. The company continues to operate from its original premises in Cookstown Industrial Estate, Tallaght where it now employs 40 people and through commitment and flexibility proves that manufacturing is still extremely viable in Ireland.

Commenting on today’s announcement Managing Director of Burgmann Packings Ireland Ltd., Celestine Grassick said, ‘Innovation is key to the future success of Burgmann Packings. With the aid Government through IDA Ireland this project will allow us to identify how we can marry our existing technologies and capabilities to develop new products for new markets. Our existing product market is commodity dominated with many players in all countries, as well as penetration from Asian competitors. Our aim with this new project is to diversify into products and markets where our technology has not been previously used.’

‘The success of this project will enhance the technical capabilities of our organisation and place us in the strongest possible position to continue manufacturing in Ireland and be around to celebrate our 50^th anniversary. I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to all the members of our staff without whose dedication, over many years of service, today’s announcement would not be possible,’ Ms. Grassick concluded.

ENDS/ETE1978

Notes for the Editor

Burgmann Packings Ltd Irish facility opened in 1978 and was further expanded in 1999. Production facilities have also been opened in Turkey and China in the last 5 years.

Dr. Wolfgang Bommes, an Independent bought the company in 2004.

Globally, the company has 100 years plus experience in the braided packings industry and manufacturers complete product ranges for packings, gaskets, graphite and ring applications.