Tuam firm announces future expansion on its 25th anniversary

By TOM GILMORE TUAM firm JFC Plastics Manufacturing, which grew from a two-person operation in 1987 to 250 at present, announced plans for more new products and further expansion at its 25th anniversary celebrations at the weekend. At a time when so many Irish firms are cutting jobs and downsizing, JFC has expanded to now employing 100 in Tuam, a further 100 in the UK and 50 in Poland, while the firm is awaiting a decision from Galway Co Council on its plans for building an additional 10,000 square metre manufacturing and distribution facility beside its existing factory at Weir Road. 'We hope that Galway Co Council will look favourably on our proposal, and if so, it will enable us to move ahead with our plans for several new products which we are currently working on with Enterprise Ireland,' says John Concannon, Managing Director of the firm. 'We have ten people employed in our research and development department here in Tuam and we hope to start manufacturing several of the new products that they have come up with as soon as we get the new facility built. 'In spite of the tough economic times that we live in one has to be optimistic and forward-thinking and 60 per cent of our products are for the export market,' says John. At the weekend the humble beginnings of the company were recalled at 25th anniversary celebrations in the Tuam plant and at a function on Saturday night in Jack Murphy's Lounge, Kilmaine. Staff, family and friends attended the events and earlier many of those were also present at a Mass to mark the occasion in Kilbannon Church. 'We recalled how the company started off in the kitchen of our home in Kilconly with my wife Patricia putting the handle on a multi-bucket that I had designed and that I was taking to Dublin for an appearance on Gay Byrne's Late Late Show,' says John. On that night 25 years ago, Gay joked about the multi-bucket as did many in the audience. But it was the exposure given to the new product, and subsequent new products made by the then fledgling JFC firm by the Late Late Show that proved to be the catalyst for the company's phenomenal success. 'It was the publicity on the Late late Show and in The Tuam Herald in the early days that helped the company get established. 'But another vital cog was a grant of €1,800 given to us by Charles Lynch who was the CEO of the Galway City and County Enterprise Board at that time,' says John. He added that Enterprise Ireland, Action Tuam and many other organisations have been vital to the progress of the company over the years, from its early days in a small unit at Dunmore Road to the various expansions of the firm at its present site at Weir Road. 'Of course my wife Patricia and our family as well as a dedicated staff, some who have been with us for many years, have all been so important to the progress that we have made. 'Our hope for the budget is that the Irish Government might put some money into road building again and this would help with sales of our Corri pipes,' he added. As the staff, family and friends enjoyed the music of Matt Keane and his band and special guest singer Emma Brady from Kilbannon at Saturday night's 25th anniversary function in Kilmaine, John Concannon remarked that it is important for Irish firms to look to the export market as much as possible for the future. 'We have to see the bigger picture out there and while it is important to have sales here in Ireland it is also essential, especially in our business, to be always seeking new export markets, ' concluded John, whose company now sell products, in markets as far away as New Zealand, South Africa and Japan.