A MULTI-MILLION pound investment is set to secure the future of the Encirc glass plant in Derrylin for over a decade to come. Over the next three years £40million is to be invested in the Derrylin factory which employs approximately 450 workers. 

The former Quinn Glass company was bought by Spanish firm Vidrala for £325million in 2015. The latest investment will see major upgrades to furnaces at the site. 

Encirc managing director, Adrian Curry explained that the investment will see the furnaces in the Derrylin plant rebuilt. 

“These furnaces should last 12 to 15 years so this investment is a big statement in regard to the future of the plant in Derrylin. It provides safeguards that it will be here for well over a decade to come and that security is very important to all of us.”

While upgrades take place recruitment at the site is ongoing. Mr Curry explained, “Across the board we have various levels of jobs, we can take people in with no glass skills and limited academic qualifications and provide full training through our Academy. Operators are probably the main area of focus at the minute, but we are always on the look out for people with good skills and talent. 

“We have a great workforce in Derrylin, but like any company we have people retiring and we need to constantly bring in new people. It is incumbent on us to use technology, invest in the future and bring in the best people possible.” 

The Derrylin plant with an export focus feeds into Encirc’s European operations. Mr Curry, pictured left, noted, “We export about 60 percent of what we make in Derrylin off the island of Ireland, to England where bottles are filled with wine, and on to Europe as well.” 

Upgrades will enable the leading glass container manufacturer and bottler to significantly enhance efficiency and sustainability. 

To aid sustainability Mr Curry explained that the firm are in the process of bringing natural gas into the factory. 

“We will not be bringing three or four lorries a day from Belfast or Dublin with oil and emissions from the furnaces will be cut as well. There is some financial benefit, but the major benefit of switching to gas is that it is very sustainable in the long term from an environmental point of view.”

Local Councillor Chris McCaffrey welcomed the investment. 

“This is welcome news and brings assurances of job security and sustainability of the factory for the future, especially in these uncertain times with the possibility of a no deal Brexit looming over us. 

“I’m sure this will bring some comfort to all workers currently employed there.”