An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar TD on Friday last performed the official opening of Fort Wayne Metals new 45,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility which will lead to the creation of up to 80 new jobs over five years.
The project is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland. Founded in 1970, Fort Wayne Metals is a leading manufacturer of medical materials, producing precision wire and components for all types of medical devices. The company’s materials are used in guidewires, stents, embolic filters, pacemaker leads, neurostimulation leads, endoscopy, orthopaedic devices, and more.
Fort Wayne Metals Ireland commenced operations in Castlebar in 2002 and now employs 95 staff. The Company manufactures products for medical device companies in Ireland, Europe and Asia. The parent Company headquartered in Indiana, USA, is a privately held company with twelve manufacturing plants.
Fort Wayne Metals Ireland is the corporation’s only manufacturing facility outside the United States. This €10M expansion represents the next stage of growth for the company with its product diversification strategy focused on the manufacture and supply of specialty alloys such as nitinol.
Speaking at the official opening, An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar TD said that Fort Wayne Metals is very well established in Castlebar, having first set up operations here 17 years ago. This major investment shows the company is committed for the long term.
"Essential components for medical devices which can improve and save lives are manufactured here and sold around the world. Congratulations to the local staff and management team who will be joined by 80 new employees over the next five years. The Government, through IDA Ireland, will continue to work with Fort Wayne as the company expands in the years ahead.”
CEO of Fort Wayne Metals, Scott Glaze, said: "This expansion is a testament to the hard work and talent of our Irish employees. Their expertise and dedication have been fundamental to the growth of Fort Wayne Metals Ireland, and I have every confidence that they will be successful as they take on the challenges of manufacturing precision nitinol wire for our customers around the world.”
Managing Director at the Castlebar plant, Michael O’Donnell thanked the IDA for its continuous support over the years. He applauded MVS Ltd, the local construction company that built the new facility, for their excellence and for completing the project on schedule.
Minister Michael Ring said that the investment by Fort Wayne Metals in its manufacturing facility is a clear indicator of the company’s commitment to Mayo and is a significant boost to the local economy.
"It also underscores the attractiveness of the west of Ireland for business leaders. The region has a well-educated and talented labour force and has developed strong clusters of companies operating in modern international sectors such as Lifesciences and ICT.
“This investment is good for Castlebar, good for Mayo and good for the Atlantic Economic Corridor region as a whole, which extends along the western seaboard from Kerry to Donegal. Crucially, the project being announced today will create further economic benefits and job opportunities in the local economy.." he said.
Senator Michelle Mulherin said she was delighted to able to work with Fort Wayne Metals to arrange for the Taoiseach’s visit on this occasion.
"I want to compliment Michael O’Donnell the Managing Director and his fantastic team who have ensured the company has gone from strength to strength over the years culminating in this latest investment and jobs announcement," she concluded.
