Members of Arklow Municipal District (AMD) recently visited the Gaines factory on South Quay to hear about the company’s expansion plans.
The councillors – lead by Cllr Pat Fitzgerald, Cathaoirleach WCC, and Cllr Pat Kennedy, Cathaoirleach, AMD – were accompanied by Mr Bryan Doyle, Chief Executive WCC, and Linda McDonald, District Administrator, AMD.
During the visit, Mr Stephen Smith, Engineering Manager at Gaines, gave a history of the firm – explaining how it had started manufacturing in 1995 with 10 employees. Now it has 155 employees and a turnover of €16m exporting pet foods to countries across the globe.
The company was bought by Rondo Food GMBH in 2011 and now, following the purchase of the old Arklow Pottery site this year, it has plans to expand further. Mr Smith stressed the company’s commitment to Arklow and its support of local contractors and businesses.
Commenting on the visit, Mr Bryan Doyle, Chief Executive WCC, said: “The Gaines Europe Limited success story is a clear indicator that Wicklow is open for business. There are opportunities in the county for business to thrive. The County Council Economic Unit is available to advise and assist local firms/business people who may be considering expanding or indeed setting up in the county.”
The Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr Pat Fitzgerald, said: “I very much welcome the expansion plans for Gaines Europe, the visit to the factory gave us a great insight to the operations of the company. I wish the company the very best into the future and I hope that we will hear further announcements from other companies on expanding or relocating over the next year.”
Cllr Pat Kennedy, Cathaoirleach, Arklow Municipal District, said Gaines was a great success story and an important part of business life and employment in the town.
