Acquisition of UK firm 'will expand Mergon manufacturing capabilities'

Mergon, a global leader in plastics manufacturing, with headquarters in Castlepollard, has announced the acquisition of Weltonhurst Limited, a UK based supplier of technical blow moulded components.

Mergon, which has operations in Ireland, South Carolina, the Czech Republic and China, and supplies parts for brands like BMW, Rivian, and Xerox, has acquired Weltonhurst to expand its manufacturing capabilities and give a base to further develop business with UK customers.

Weltonhurst has been producing plastic components for the industrial, healthcare and packaging sectors for four decades, amassing an extensive client list across the UK and beyond.

Its 40,000 square metre site in Lancashire boasts among the most advanced production facilities in Europe and is equipped with in-house automation and the manufacture of secondary automated finishing equipment.

Founded in Westmeath in 1981 by Pat Beirne, a plastics engineer, Mergon has grown to employ more than 700 people across the globe.

The deal marks the first acquisition by the company since UK-based private equity firm Elysian Capital purchased a stake in the company in 2019.

Mr Beirne said: “The acquisition of Weltonhurst represents a considerable strategic expansion of Mergon’s operations and footprint internationally. Operating in the UK will both safeguard seamless service for our UK customers following Brexit and will enhance our capabilities in large part, small volume moulding.

“We are excited to have the opportunity to extend our services and processes to a new host of UK customers, while also being able to rely on Weltonhurst’s world-class facilities to enhance the design and manufacturing capabilities that we can offer to our existing customers.

“We have ambitious plans to grow our industrial division in the areas of traffic management and packaging products, and this acquisition gives us the springboard to launch that initiative.”

Weltonhurst MD, Paul Wareing, added: “I am delighted to announce Weltonhurst’s joining of the Mergon Group. We have always held Mergon and its products in the highest regard and we look forward to the new heights that our combined efforts and innovation can achieve.

"We know that our employees and customers have a bright future ahead as we conclude the deal.”