Fleetwood Paints, one of Ireland’s leading paint manufacturers, marked a significant milestone recently with the official opening of their state-of-the-art production facility in Virginia, Co. Cavan.
Amidst a gathering of enthusiastic staff and distinguished guests, Fleetwood Paints celebrated a historic achievement, marking a pivotal juncture in its legacy. The new production facility, twelve months in the making, was officially opened by Minister Heather Humphreys. It underscores the company’s unwavering dedication to innovation and expansion and signifying a long-term commitment to manufacturing and job growth in the region. This substantial investment represents Fleetwood Paints’ largest infrastructure endeavour in recent years, responding to the company’s remarkable growth in both domestic and export
markets, including the ever-thriving DIY sector.
Minister for Social Protection and Rural & Community Development with Alex Doyle, Director Fleetwood Paints; and Stan Buckey, MD FSW Coatings.
Image: Karl Hussey Photography.
The newly opened facility is equipped with cutting-edge technology and features a dedicated quality control laboratory, ensuring the utmost precision and product quality. The facility’s ergonomic design prioritises a safe and comfortable working environment for the employees. Notably, this expansion will quadruple Fleetwood Paints’ production capacity, marking a significant leap in their capabilities. To ensure the seamless operation and maintenance of the new equipment, the company has doubled its workforce in this area of the factory.
Stan Buckley, Managing Director of FSW Coatings, expressed his sentiments during the event, stating, “Fleetwood Paints has a storied history of pioneering paint technology on our Virginia site. This strategic investment solidifies our position as industry leaders and as one of the foremost employers in the
Virginia area for years to come.”
FSW Coatings (Fleetwood Sherwin Williams) is the name of the production side of Fleetwood Paints. Fleetwood Paints’ journey commenced humbly in the 1950s as an artist brush manufacturer in Dublin, founded by the Doyle family of Conor and Brian Doyle. Their unwavering commitment to quality laid the cornerstone for a remarkable voyage.
In the early 1970s, Fleetwood Paints embarked on a decision to relocate its operations to Virginia, Co. Cavan. This bold move allowed the company to embrace its Irish heritage, gain better access to all regions of Ireland, and significantly contribute to the local economy. Fleetwood Paints recognised
a growing demand for high-quality paints in Ireland, prompting a transition into the paint manufacturing business, introducing a line of paints celebrated for their durability and vibrancy.
