€10m Investment And 40 New Jobs For Castlebar

Forty new jobs are to be created in Castlebar by Fort Wayne Metals Ireland, who have announced an expansion of its production operations as part of a €10m investment.

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. 

Welcoming the announcement for Castlebar, Taoiseach Enda Kenny 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."

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation Mary Mitchell O'Connor also welcomed the announcement. She said: "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."

(MH/JP)