The Quinn Glass factory in Derrylin
FROM Australia to Africa, and the Middle East to Russia, no matter where in the world you travel, if you spot a Baileys liqueur bottle, you will always find a part of Derrylin.
Unbeknown to many across Fermanagh, every single Baileys bottle has been designed and made in Derrylin, after Quinn Glass secured a sole supply deal for the liqueur bottle with Diageo the largest drinks company in the world.
Inscribed along the base of each Baileys bottle is “Q1”, representing the Quinn Glass plant in Derrylin.
All of the sand and limestone used to make the millions of bottles produced every year is locally sourced and this is significant in helping to secure hundreds of jobs.
Quinn Glass managing director Adrian Curry, pictured, said a recent investment marked a ‘major milestone’ in the company’s development.
When Diageo in 2004, awarded us sole supply for Baileys it was a significant vote of confidence and a reflection of the good quality and service we had given them in the previous three years,” he said.
“The Bailey’s bottle has been re-designed four times since 2001 with the local team in Derrylin supporting the customer and their brand designers.
“All the Baileys bottles around the world are made in Derrylin, which is significant in securing more than 430 jobs in the plant.
“Everybody is extremely proud that there is a small part of Derrylin across the four corners of the world.
“Baileys awarded us the contract because they understood that we were a quality, well invested and sustainable supplier.”
The production of the newly launched Baileys bottle presented a number of difficulties for the Derrylin team because of its shape.
However, with an investment of close to £3m in robotic handling equipment, specifically made for the liqueur bottle, we were able to overcome the challenge.
The MD revealed that they are the only producer of dark glass in the UK and Ireland, which undoubtedly helped cement the Baileys contract.
“Baileys is one of the many global brands proudly manufactured and supplied out of Derrylin”, said Mr Curry.
“Very few manufacturing companies in the world can say they are the sole supplier for one large brand.”
The heavily invested company provides employment for more than 430 local people, and, according to the managing director Adrian Curry, that’s providing support for 430 families within local communities whilst helping to reduce emigration.
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