WAVIN IRELAND

“Wavin Ireland is a member of the Wavin Group, a world leader in plastic pipe systems,” says Michael O’Donohoe, Country Director Ireland. “Wavin was founded in Zwolle in Holland in the 1950s and we became the second country outside of the Netherlands to house a Wavin factory, based in Balbriggan. In 1958, we introduced our first product into Ireland, and today we have over 6,000 products available.”

Wavin, which became a part of the Mexichem Group (Latin-American leader in pipe systems and petrochemicals) in 2012, employs approximately 6,000 people globally and has annual revenues of around €1.2 billion. In Ireland, the company is a smaller operation with 85 employees, however their position as market leader is significant.

“Our products are fully tested and certified to show that they meet Irish building regulations. We’re celebrating 60 years in business next year and we’ve also recently become members of Guaranteed Irish. We’ve supported many Irish jobs over the years and by joining Guaranteed Irish, reinforces our local values.

“At the moment, our focus is more domestic but we trade with Wavin-operating companies in other countries. Including Northern Ireland, our export growth for this year is approximately 15pc.”

Wavin has introduced and developed many innovative products including the QuickStream siphonic drainage system for roofs, to provide a rainwater management solution and a geocellular stormwater management system, which can be installed beneath roads or car parks.

“Many people don’t realise that the pipe systems in their house or local supermarket are made by Wavin because they’re hidden. Our green credentials are good: some of our core products are made with PVC, which has 60pc recycled material.

“The Guaranteed Irish symbol will help to bring added value to our products, giving us the opportunity to re-emphasise with our customers the importance of supporting Irish manufacturers and Irish jobs.”