Jobs boost for Clonee as new print R&D centre opens

Wetzel Holding AG, in Clonee, a leader in print cylinder production and technology, has opened a €5 million cutting-edge technology production operation, which will create 25 jobs over the next five years. The company is also undertaking a major research and development (R&D) initiative with the aim of establishing it as a centre-of-excellence in roto gravure printing tool production, in particular computerised preparation techniques. Recruitment is already underway, according to Tanaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mary Coughlan. 'This investment is a major endorsement of the knowledge, expertise and infrastructure which exist in Ireland for the successful implementation of high calibre R&D,' Ms Coughlan said. 'The aim of Wetzel"s R&D is to demonstrate the ability of the Clonee operation to add significant production and process efficiencies across the whole Wetzel Group. The investments are in line with the Government"s strategies of moving the Irish operation of international companies higher up the value chain and of gaining significantly increased responsibilities.' Welcoming the news, Transport Minister and Meath TD Noel Dempsey said it represented fantastic news for Clonee and for all of County Meath. 'Wetzel Holding AG is recognised globally and has a great reputation for technical innovation,' he said. 'Wetzel Holding AG has only recently opened but with its excellent reputation, it shows what Ireland can offer to international companies as a leading European location for quality and superiority.' Jason Brennan, managing director of Wetzel Ltd, said: 'The goal of this project is to further develop our cutting-edge technology production process. The key areas the project will look at include the development of the process workflow, the integration of SAP, fully automated process control and quality surveillance combined with 'Green" production, which will include low energy use and environmental friendly methods. 'It is our aim to make the Irish operation the most successful and efficient of its kind on a global scale and Ireland meets all the necessary criteria to ensure this will happen. We will also be investigating the opportunity for collaboration with Irish third level institutions in a number of areas of our work.' The facility was established as a joint venture manufacturing facility with JJ Stafford Engineering, a leading Irish company owned by Patrick Stafford, to produce printing rollers for the domestic and UK market. Wetzel Holding AG, Switzerland, is the head of the Wetzel Processing Group, a family-owned Mittelstand company established in 1923. Wetzel is a leading manufacturer of printing cylinders and in embossing rollers for packaging in continental Europe and embossing rollers for decorative applications and functional surfaces worldwide and a technology leader in its industry. The products and services are used in the decorative, packaging and industrial embossing markets. Wetzel has operations in Switzerland, Germany, Poland and now in Ireland, employing 450 people internationally. Other proposed jobs boosts in the area include the proposed establishment of an animation company in Ashbourne, which was discussed at last week"s meeting of Meath County Council when a site was rezoned for the planned facility, while in Dunshaughlin, two entrepreneurs are looking at the possibility of establishing a solar power company at an industrial site owned by businessman John O"Meara, following discussions with outgoing local councillor Oliver Brooks and Meath County Council"s director of economic planning, Kevin Stewart.