Minister Kelleher Announces South African Joint Venture for JFC Manufacturing

Galway Company Signs €2m Deal on Enterprise Ireland Trade Mission

The Minister for Trade and Commerce Mr Billy Kelleher T.D. today (Tuesday 15^th September 2009) announced that Galway Company JFC Manufacturing Ltd. is opening a new factory in South Africa in a joint venture with local plastics design company Accelerate Design Ltd – a leading South African plastics moulding company.

The announcement was made during the Enterprise Ireland trade mission to South Africa which Minister Kelleher is leading this week Twenty Irish companies are participating in the mission, drawn from a broad range of sectors.

Under the joint venture, JFC purchased 52% or controlling interest in Accelerate Design and the new company will be known as JFC Accelerate Design. When completed, JFC’s total investment will have been in the region of €2 million. Sales of €2.5 million or 27 million Rand are expected to be generated under the new venture over the next two years.

A family-owned business, JFC Manufacturing was set up in 1987 in Tuam, Co Galway to supply specialised plastic products to the agricultural, civils, construction, recycling, marine and materials handling industries. JFC is a global organisation, exporting to over 40 countries and employing 200 people world wide through its production facilities in Ireland, UK and Poland.

Making the announcement Minister Kelleher said:

“Growing Irish exports is fundamental to Ireland’s economic recovery. JFC, which already exports to more than 40 countries, and is now launching in South Africa, is a leading example of the export success that Irish manufacturing companies can achieve worldwide.

“JFC’s overseas success not only endorses Ireland’s reputation for world-class innovation but it also ensures continuing benefit to the Galway and the Western region in terms of direct employment, investment and spin-off economic benefits for the region.”

John Concannon, Managing Director of JFC Manufacturing Ltd added:

“This is a significant step for JFC. South Africa is a large market with massive growth potential. With every downturn, there is opportunity and we don’t believe in standing still. As the European markets slacken, the timing is right for JFC to take on the new challenge of growing markets such as South Africa and Accelerate’s existing customer base will facilitate an easier route to market.

“I’d like to thank Enterprise Ireland for its unstinting support over a number of years. Three years ago they supported the building of our dedicated R&D department in JFC Tuam and this new venture is the direct result of working closely with Enterprise Ireland’s South Africa team over the last two years. We’ve also had significant assistance from their offices across Europe over several years.

Enterprise Ireland’s Head of International Sales and Partnering Gerry Murphy said:

“JFC is a truly international Irish company with a strong export-led growth strategy and a determined approach to innovation and product development. As a scaling client of Enterprise Ireland, JFC is one of a special group of companies that we believe have particular potential to achieve multi-national scale rapidly and become international market leaders.

“Companies like JFC are essential for stimulating local economies and employment, fostering the climate of innovation in Ireland and translating Irish entrepreneurial ambition into success. We look forward to continuing to work to help the company achieve its ambitious scaling plans and ensuring that JFC continues to have access to every international growth opportunity through our network of overseas market experts.”