The Cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council, Cllr Frankie Keena, has welcomed approval for an Address of Recognition to be awarded to the Athlone based Medtronic which this year is celebrating 40 years of operation in the town.
“This medical device company started business in a house in Coosan in February 1982 before moving to its current location in Cornamaddy in May of that year. It has continuously manufactured medical devices for the global market for over forty years such as airway products and also features an R&D Centre of Excellence.
“Over these years the company operated under the names of Mallinckrodt, Avon, Tyco, Covidien and now Medtronic and currently provides valued employment to approximately 500 staff comprising both corporate and manufacturing.
“I am very strong in the belief that it is so important for the local authority to acknowledge and express gratitude to all industries for the valued contribution, employment and economic boost they provide throughout our town and the wider county network.
“Thus, when I was informed by an employee of Medtronic about the company’s 40th anniversary in Athlone, I immediately identified this occasion as an ideal way for the council to say thank you and subsequently I raised a motion on this matter.
“This decision may act as a catalyst for other industries to seek similar council recognition for their milestone anniversary occasions which I would welcome,” Cllr Keena enthused.
