ECCO CELEBRATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY WITH AN OPEN DAY

June 1986

IT was a nostalgic occasion for many in Dundalk when, in June, 1986, ECCO Ltd., celebrated the 20th anniversary of their establishment in the town.

In those 20 years it was estimated that 8,000 people from the town and surrounding districts had worked for the firm, which at one time was the town’s largest employer, with a maximum num- ber of 1,500 employed at the one time.

During the 20 years it was also estimated that the firm pumped £100m. into the local economy in the form of wages and services.

In addition ECCO made a significant contribution to the national economy, not just in taxation but in the development of highly skilled managers and engineers who were shaping the development of many new, and indigenous companies, with an estimated 25 managers in major Irish companies who started in ECCO.

The firm was established in the town in 1966 as a wholly owned subsidiary of the General Electric Company of USA. Dundalk was chosen as a low cost labour centre with access to the EEC.

But the oil crisis and spiralling inflation in the early 1970’s caused ECCO to shift to the manufacture of high technology semi-conductors aimed at the European market.

Changing market conditions and world currency fluctuations demanded new business strategies for the 1980’s but ECCO whose ability to survive over the years by new investment was evident, responded by divesting from the non growth production lines to high technology Varistor business.

To mark their 20th celebrations the firm held an open day at their Ard Easmuinn plant and had special celebrations for employees.