Writech Group (“Writech” or “the company”), one of the largest and fastest growing fire protection companies in the UK & Ireland, has announced the launch of a new world class Design and Innovation Centre in Mullingar, Co. Westmeath.The new centre, which Minister of State Robert Troy formally opened today, will further strengthen the position of Writech as an international and industry leading product and service provider and will lead to the creation of up to 50 new jobs in the initial phase, with the prospect of many more to be added to the existing workforce of over 300 across the Group.
In addition, Writech has today announced the acquisition of Ce Sprinkler, a leading Swedish fire-protection business. Founded in Sweden over 70 years ago and employing over 30 people, Ce Sprinkler is a leading privately owned fire-protection company offering a wide range of services to all sectors from consultation, design, prefabrication, assembly and maintenance from its base in Nyköping.
The newly designed innovation centre and manufacturing base uses state of the art 3D BIM technology that is pre-fabricated to clients’ specific requirements with products and systems designed, engineered, manufactured and assembled on site, which alleviates many of the supply chain pressures that are being experienced across this and other sectors.
The design specification is based on creative and innovative work practices and features various unique and inclusive spaces that fosters collaboration, sustainability and well-being. It includes a gym, design and project innovation suites, offices and meeting areas.
Adjoining Writech’s existing building, the facility stretches over 16,000 square feet, extending over 3 levels and represents a significant milestone in the progress of Writech.
This follows the company’s recent acquisition of leading UK provider of automatic fire suppression systems, Compco, which added £50 million to Writech’s revenues and adds over 200 people to the group. The accelerated growth trajectory of Writech has been made possible by the significant support and partnership of Waterland Private Equity Ireland who invested in the group last year.
Founded in 1981, Writech provides Global Fire Protection System Design, Manufacture, Installation, Commissioning and Servicing to clients which include some of the largest blue-chip companies in the world, across a range of sectors including pharmaceutical, retail, data centres, office, and food and beverage.
Welcoming the significant developments at Writech, Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation Robert Troy TD, said, “I am delighted to be here at Writech today to mark this important milestone for the company. Writech is an innovative, ambitious company that is competing and winning in international markets and its investment in its new Design and Innovation centre here in Mullingar will further drive its international growth.
“And crucially this expansion and growth overseas will create 50 new high-quality jobs in Mullingar. I am delighted to see a company with such strong roots in Westmeath continue to go from strength to strength and who I am sure will continue to do so into the future. Both myself and this Government are committed to balanced regional employment and supporting great companies like Writech is an essential part of our regional jobs strategy.”
Commenting on the announcements Ted Wright, CEO of Writech, said: “We are delighted to open this state of the art Design and Innovation Centre and the significant new jobs that this will create. As a company, we have always looked at being the leader in fire protection systems and developing new, cutting-edge future proofed services and solutions, while working with clients to ensure we develop and tailor products they require.
“Today is the culmination of a vision we had many years ago to build a world class operation here in Mullingar that will lead and change the industry across Ireland, Europe and beyond. I’d like to thank everyone who helped make this possible including the team here at Writech and our partners and clients around the world, along with the support and investment we’ve received from Waterland and Enterprise Ireland.
“I’m also delighted to welcome the Ce Sprinkler team to the group. The company is an excellent addition to the group and opens up further opportunities in new markets as we continue to expand our reach and prospects for future growth around Europe. We’re looking forward to sharing our collective expertise and building on our strong position and the success we’ve achieved so far.”