Northern Irish construction materials manufacturer Brett Martin has announced it is opening a new factory in Wisconsin, its first outside Ireland.
The 48,000 square feet facility is located on a greenfield site in De Pere and is being established through a joint venture between Mallusk-based Brett Martin and leading US distribution customer Amerilux International called American Polycarbonate Company (APC).
APC will manufacture multiwall and corrugated polycarbonate roofing sheets for use in a wide range of sectors across the US, and the factory is scheduled to commence production later this year.
Paul Martin, group director of Brett Martin, said the decision was taken before US President Donald Trump introduced tariffs on imports from other countries, and that it was driven by long-term market growth potential in North America.
"We have been exporting successfully to the USA for more than 25 years. Together with our partner Amerilux, we identified an opportunity to add a US manufacturing presence that will enhance our service to the market and open up new opportunities that build on the success of our Mallusk operations," said Martin.
“Our decision was taken well before recent US tariffs were introduced. While tariffs are relevant for any exporter, our motivation was above all driven by long-term market growth potential, the strength of our partnership with Amerilux, and the opportunities we see for Brett Martin products in North America."
Brett Martin is one of the North's leading exporters with 50% of its sales coming from up to 70 international markets, and the group is hopes to increase international sales by expanding its reach in the US with the move.
“As an international business, we must remain forward-looking and agile. This investment is about growth, complementing our strong base in Mallusk, and ensuring Brett Martin remains competitive in a rapidly changing global market,” he added.
This latest development comes on the heels of a recent announcement of a major investment in Brett Martin’s Mallusk site aimed specifically at the supply for the UK and Ireland markets.
This latest development comes on the heels of a recent announcement of a major investment in Brett Martin’s Mallusk site aimed specifically at the supply for the UK and Ireland markets.
Employing over 1,000 people in total and with sales of £220m, Brett Martin is one of Europe’s largest plastic sheet producers.
Photo: Paul Martin, left, Brett Matin Group Director, and William Martin, right, Brett Martin Group Director, mark the announcement of the new factory in the US.
