Leading timber processing firm, Glennon Brothers welcomed Minister Pat Breen, and Mark Hanniffy, Consul General of Ireland to Scotland, to its Windymains site, as part of a trip to Scotland in celebration of St Patrick's Day.
During the visit, the Minister met with Joint Managing Directors, Mike and Pat Glennon, and received a tour of the timber processing facility.
Mike Glennon, speaking of the visit, said: "The Minister’s visit allowed us to highlight the threat Brexit poses to the future development of the Irish forestry sector. The sector is forecast to significantly increase its output, over the next decade.
"This growth, is heavily dependent, on growing the presence of Irish timber, in the UK market. Over half of the Irish sawmills output is exported, and 95% of those exports go to the UK. Unfettered access to the UK market is critical if the sector is to fulfil its potential”.
The premier name in the UK and Irish timber processing industry, Glennon Brothers, through its plants in Scotland and Ireland, continues to push the boundaries of machinery and technology to produce home grown timber to the highest international standards.
The company has recently completed a £14.3 million investment in a state of the art combined heat and power (CHP) plant in Troon, Scotland.
“We were delighted to welcome the Minister and the Consul General to visit our Windymains site, to see first hand the recent investments we have made in state of the art manufacturing technology," Pat Glennon commented.
"The visit also allowed us to highlight the importance of the Irish forest products sector, which employs over 12,000 people, and contributes €2.3 billion annually to the Irish economy," he said.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister Breen spoke of his pleasure at visiting the Glennon Brothers facility in Humbie on the day.
"Companies like Glennon Brothers have built their reputation and customer base over decades. The commitment they show their customers and workforce in Ireland, Scotland and across the UK is a one example of the many Irish companies who tell me that this hard won business will not be sacrificed by current uncertainties.
"I am enormously impressed by this commitment as they continue to invest in growing both their Scottish presence and exports from Ireland.”
