Kirchoff Ireland look to next 30 years

The success of Kirchoff is a significant case study in terms of Ireland’s ability to be successful and lead in manufacturing. Manufacturing continues to play a key strategic role in the Irish economy. IDA is a proud partner of Kirchhoff and we will be looking at supporting future opportunities in terms of expansion and investigating newer technologies with them. I would like to congratulate all of the management and workforce on everything they have achieved.

Barry O'Leary, CEO, IDA Ireland

LETTERKENNY, Ireland (August 30, 2011) – “A company with a tremendous track record in production, expertise that is exported worldwide and a production facility that manufactures products to the world’s automotive sector – this is a wonderful success story for Ireland.”

These are the words of Minister Brian Hayes T.D., Junior Minister for Finance speaking at the 30th anniversary celebrations of Kirchhoff Ireland in Letterkenny today.

Attended by the most senior members of the Kirchhoff family, government, IDA, SIPTU, German Embassy, German Chamber of Commerce, IBEC and other stakeholders, the event marked 30 very successful years in Ireland, much of it led by a small team in Donegal who have made their mark on the world automotive stage.

According to Minister Hayes, “the future of the Irish economy will be built on export-led companies coupled with those who can develop new technologies to support a worldwide market.  I am heartened and enthused by the tenacity and determination of Kirchhoff Ireland here in Donegal who are bucking the trend in the automotive industry by increasing capacity, growth and profits.  

“I also understand that Kirchhoff Automotive are potentially leading the charge in relation to the electric car and in a world where green energy and efficiency are growth sectors, we will be looking very closely at how Ireland and our pool of skilled workers can be part of this growth,” said Minister Hayes.

Kirchhoff Ireland, originally Sigro Ltd, was founded in Letterkenny in 1981 and when it opened employed just 17 people.  It now has 100 staff at its Lisnennan plant and is a first tier supplier to BMW Mini, Ford, Volkswagen and General Motors.

Mr. Arndt Kirchhoff, CEO KIRCHOFF AUTOMOTIVE spoke of the company’s success to date and referenced in particular the tenure of the staff, the quality and expertise at the Letterkenny site and also their determination to grow.

“We are very proud of Kirchhoff Ireland. The collaborative approach between Kirchhoff Ireland, the government, IDA and SIPTU has been a significant factor in the company’s success to date.  But these strategic links need to continue to ensure the future growth of the facility.  I believe that the Irish government should put much more emphasis on production companies such as Kirchhoff Ireland which would ultimately have a positive effect on the Irish economy.  We also need support in the area of training which will help us develop our knowledge-base in an ever-changing technological environment,” said Mr. Kirchhoff.

Mr. Kirchhoff further praised the team in Letterkenny, some of whom have been used by the Kirchhoff Group for developing new operations in other countries.  “Such is the expertise and knowledge of the team in Letterkenny that we seek their support in other ventures that we are involved in worldwide.”

Kirchhoff Ireland is an IDA-supported company and CEO Barry O’Leary described the success of the company as “a significant case study in terms of Ireland’s ability to be successful and lead in manufacturing. Manufacturing continues to play a key strategic role in the Irish economy. IDA is a proud partner of Kirchhoff and we will be looking at supporting future opportunities in terms of expansion and investigating newer technologies with them. I would like to congratulate all of the management and workforce on everything they have achieved.”

Managing Director Sean McDermott along with P.J. Friel and Sean Roulstone were honoured for their 30-year tenure at the company.  Sean McDermott started at the company in 1981 as a young toolmaker and now leads the Irish operation. “Given my tenure with Kirchhoff Ireland, this is a very proud day for me and for all the team here in Letterkenny. We are delighted to host the Kirchhoff family, Executive Board, shareholders and key strategic partners.  And we look forward to driving our business ambitions forward as we strive for further growth,” said Mr. McDermott.

Jack O’Connor, General President SIPTU congratulated Kirchhoff Ireland on their “impeccable record in terms of staff relations” and said that they had “created a blue-print for other companies in Ireland.”

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Joanne Sweeney-Burke, Media Box
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