Leading manufacturers from across the country were recognised for outstanding achievements at the inaugural Manufacturing Excellence Awards, held recently at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Santry, Dublin. The event, attended by leaders from across the industrial and business landscape, celebrated innovation, operational excellence, and sustainability in Ireland’s thriving manufacturing sector.
Hygeia, the family-run garden care, agriculture & veterinary manufacturer based in Oranmore, Co. Galway, was awarded the highly coveted title of Manufacturer of the Year – Small Business, standing out among a competitive field of national finalists. Founded in 1939, Hygeia has long been a trusted name in garden care, agriculture, and veterinary products, and has steadily evolved from its roots in agricultural chemicals to become a champion of sustainable manufacturing especially after the launch of their organic Nature Safe product range in 2019. The award recognises Hygeia’s commitment to innovation, environmental responsibility, and the dedication of its talented team in Galway.
Speaking at the ceremony, the organisers highlighted the importance of recognising the often-unsung heroes of Ireland’s manufacturing industry. With winners selected by a panel of independent experts from academia, private enterprise, and government; the judging criteria focused on continuous improvement, impact, and future-focused business practices.
Hygeia CEO, John Byrne, commented: “We are incredibly proud to receive this award, which is a testament to the hard work and passion of our team in Galway and beyond. For over 86 years, we’ve remained committed to delivering high-quality products and adapting to meet the evolving needs of our customers. This recognition strengthens our belief in the value of Irish-made products and encourages us to continue raising the bar for excellence in manufacturing.”
The award comes on the back of a string of recent accolades for Hygeia, including Gold in Manufacturing and Bronze in Sustainability at the Family Business Awards, Sustainability Award Winner at the HAI Innovation Awards, in 2024, as well as being Highly Commended in Manufacturing at the Small Firms Association Awards earlier this year. Hygeia’s recognition is not only a celebration of past success, but also a strong marker of the company’s direction focused on responsible growth, customer commitment, and a greener future. For more information visit www.hygeia.ie
