Wellman International celebrates 50 years
Global firm remains part of the fibre of the local community
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Bud Wellman and Bill Beckwith onsite in Mullagh 1973.Image 2 of 2
Wellman International Ltd celebrating 50 years of business in Mullagh. Seated (from left): Denise Govern, Customer Service; Noel McEnroe, sales manager and Celene Dolan, VP marketing; back, Enda Govern, Production; Paddy Martin, Continuous Improvement; Sarah Bennett, HR Training; Anthony Troy, Finance Director and Neil Scanlon, Team Leader. PHOTO: ALEX COLEMAN Alex Coleman.Wellman International is celebrating 50 years of operations in Mullagh, County Cavan. The Indorama Ventures’ manufacturing site, which operates under its legacy name Wellman International, employs 267 people locally and prides itself on being the largest European producer of recycled polyester fibres.
Wellman International began operations in Mullagh on St Patrick’s Day, March 17, 1973, as the European arm of Wellman Inc, a highly successful US recycled polyester producer. From an initial workforce of 153 people, it expanded its capacity substantially during its first 10 years, establishing a reputation as a producer of high-quality functional recycled fibres.
Continued expansion in the 1980s and 1990s saw the business acquire strategic bottle sorting and recycling sites in the Netherlands and France, enabling it to source post-consumer recycled PET plastic bottles as raw material to make polyester fibre and prevent many tonnes of plastic going to landfill each year.
International reputation
Having brought the production process of recycled polyester fibre to Europe via its Irish base, Wellman International demonstrated significant innovation for its time, producing highly specialised fibres serving multiple markets including the Automotive, Lifestyle and Hygiene sectors. From its earliest days, the plant in Mullagh has served all major European markets.
In 2011 the business was acquired by Indorama Ventures, one of the world’s leading chemical companies headquartered in Bangkok, with a global manufacturing footprint across Europe, Africa, Americas, and Asia Pacific. Until today, the Mullagh site is Indorama Ventures’ only operation in the Republic of Ireland. It is also a major regional employer, with 267 people drawn from Cavan, Meath, Louth and surrounding areas.
With sustainability at its core, Indorama Ventures has invested in state-of-the-art recycling technology to expand the types of plastic materials that can be recycled to produce fibres, beyond PET plastic bottles. This advances the industry globally while supporting the circular economy. Production capacity has grown from 5,000 tonnes in 1973 to 80,000 tonnes today, underlining the site’s international reputation for its production of recycled polyester fibres.
Jonathan Dvorkin, Operations Director in Mullagh, said: “Successfully operating a business for 50 years in the community is a significant achievement. Wellman International has faced many challenges over the years but has always triumphed through continuous investment and innovation to maintain and expand our presence. Our investment in recycling fibre technology means that we are now able to recycle more types of plastic, which will help to future proof our business and enable us to evolve and thrive in today’s dynamic environment.
"We sincerely thank our parent company Indorama Ventures for their support, our past and present employees for their work, and their families and the wider community for their loyalty over the years.”
Ecumenical service
To commemorate its 50 years in the community, the local team will hold an ecumenical service at Mullagh Sports Centre on Friday, August 18, at 7pm.
All are welcome to attend the service, jointly celebrated by Reverend Marion Keating and Father Paul Prior.