Automatic Plastics Limited will add 80 jobs over the next three years as part of multi-million euro expansion plans announced by US parent company Comar.
The Tinahely, Co Wicklow-based company, which is this year celebrating its 50th anniversary, will double the size of its facility with support from the government through IDA Ireland.
APL specialises in custom injection moulding for pharma and medtech and currently employs 130 people. The recent shift towards automation and bespoke client solutions requiring complex assembly has facilitated continued expansion at the firm.
APL was acquired by plastic packaging, dispensing, diagnostic and medical device component designer and manufacturer Comar, backed by Morgan Stanley Capital Partners, earlier this year, providing the New Jersey-based firm with a European facility to serve its global clients.
“Our wonderful workforce and local talent have driven the company to achieve incredible success," said Al Lawless, managing director of APL. "Being part of Comar facilitates this exciting new chapter for our expansion and further growth.”
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Brian Larkin, CEO of Comar, added: “By collaborating closely with IDA Ireland, APL’s growth is expected to transform our European capabilities while demonstrating a lasting commitment to the people and communities that enabled APL to be successful for five decades.
"We believe that APL has superb quality, best-in-class manufacturing, and a spectacular management team. The planned expansion of their site is expected to support the incredible growth of our current and future multinational pharma and medtech clients and accelerate our participation in the European healthcare markets.”
Martin Shanahan, CEO of IDA Ireland, said “Today’s celebrations present an opportunity to look back and acknowledge the substantial impact that APL, a Comar company, has made on the local economy and Ireland’s med tech sector through its presence in Co Wicklow over the past 50 years.
"We also note the vote of confidence in the future that the company has made with the announcement of a multi-million investment in expanding the facility and the addition of 80 new jobs. I wish the entire team continued success.”
The most recently available accounts for the formerly family-owned APL show the company grew turnover by 9% to €12.8m in the 12 months to the end of July 2021, with profit of close to €1m. The firm reported net assets of €7.8m, including €2.2m in cash and equivalents.
