Irish building materials group Kilsaran will today open a €30 million plant in Dunboyne, Co Meath, creating more than 100 jobs. The facility, which occupies a 14-acre site, will make paving stones and related concrete materials. As part of the investment, the Kilsaran Group has re-branded its paving division as Kilsaran Lifestyle and has created a display centre. Kilsaran says the investment has created and retained 120 jobs. The company also plans to hire a further 50 employees at the plant over the next 12 to 18 months. The group says the investment is the result of the changing dynamic of the traditional construction business, which it says is down by as much as 50%. The company, which was founded in 1964 by Patrick McKeown, says it went ahead with the investment despite the worsening economic climate on the basis that consumers would invest in improving and renovating their gardens as opposed to moving. Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey, who attended the launch, said: “The opening of this new facility embodies the flexibility, vision, innovation and determination that is required by business at this critical time in our economic cycle.” David McKeown, Kilsaran Group Company Director, said the changing construction industry has caused a large contraction in certain areas it also creates opportunities. “This is a very exciting time for the Kilsaran Group and this large-scale investment represents an exciting new chapter and a fresh approach,“ he said. “We extensively researched other concrete paving manufacturing and display facilities across the globe and feel our facilities surpass anything we have seen. “This new facility will allow Kilsaran to significantly expand its product range and increase the choice of product finishes, while a new R&D laboratory will ensure that the product range continues to grow and maintain its leading position in the Irish market,” he added. The Kilsaran Group employs more than 450 people at 18 locations around the country. |
