26th September 2016
Castlebar. Fort Wayne Metals Ireland has announced the expansion of its production operations in Castlebar, an investment of €10 million with the addition of 20,000 sq. ft of production floor space in the next year. As a result, they plan to create 40 additional jobs over 5 years.
Founded in 1971, Fort Wayne Metals is a leading manufacturer of medical materials, producing precision wire and components for all types of medical devices. The company’s materials are used in guidewires, stents, embolic filters, pacemaker leads, neurostimulation leads, endoscopy, orthopaedic devices, and more.
Fort Wayne Metals Ireland commenced operations in Castlebar in 2002 and now employs 80 staff. The Company manufactures products for medical device companies in Ireland, Europe and Asia. The parent Company headquartered in Indiana, USA, is a privately held company with nine manufacturing plants.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny welcoming this significant announcement for Castlebar said: "Fort Wayne Metals has been an important employer in Castlebar from when they first opened their doors in 2002. It is a real success story having started with a small number of employees, and have since increased their employee numbers over tenfold to eighty employees at present. This Government continues to view job creation as one of our key priorities and the West Regional Action Plan for Jobs aims to build on the existing medical technology cluster of companies, such as Fort Wayne Metals. These companies are a key strength to the western region and the IDA has played an important role in bringing this investment to fruition. A further point of the Action Plan involves the provision of an Advance Facility in Castlebar, which the IDA is currently building at a site on the Breaffy Road in close proximity to Fort Wayne Metals. I wish to thank Fort Wayne's Chairman and CEO, Scott Glaze, for this vote of confidence in Ireland and Mayo. I also commend their Managing Director in Castlebar, Michael O'Donnell, his management team and all their employees who have worked incredibly hard at building a reputation for excellence.”
Chairman and CEO Scott Glaze applauded the success and commitment of his team in Castlebar and reiterated the company’s commitment to Ireland. “We are very proud of the achievements and the commitment of our people here. Our people are our strength and this is what gives me great confidence in this investment.” He acknowledged the strong work ethic, the availability of highly skilled staff and the support and guidance given by IDA Ireland and the Irish Medical Device Association (IMDA) as key factors in making the decision.
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation Mary Mitchell O Connor also welcomed the announcement, saying: "This expansion and investment by Fort Wayne Metals leading to the creation of an additional 40 jobs in Mayo is very welcome. All jobs created have a positive knock on effect for the wider community. Creating an environment for job growth right across Ireland is a top priority of this Government and I am particularly pleased that this company's operations will build on our strong position in the medical devices sector."
IDA Ireland’s CEO Martin Shanahan said: “It’s great to see Fort Wayne Metals expand its operations in Castlebar in this way. A key focus for IDA is supporting existing companies to transform and expand, growing jobs. The company has credited the dedication and commitment of its highly skilled staff with making its Castlebar operation the success it is. That’s a great endorsement and one that gives confidence in Castlebar and the region as a great location for other similar type medical device business. I wish Scott, Michael and their team every success with this expansion.”
Contact
Ellen Lynch Regional Communications,
Press & PR Executive
IDA Ireland
087 4112084
ellen.lynch@ida.ie
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