ANOTHER ACCOLADE Portwest were awarded an Ireland’s Best Managed Companies accolade at the 14th annual awards programme, led by Deloitte. Pictured were Harry Hughes, CEO, Portwest and Anya Cummins, Partner, Deloitte. Pic: Jason Clarke
Westport-based company announce Mayo acquisition and win national award
Portwest, the Mayo based international workwear clothing and personal protective equipment manufacturer, announced this week that it has acquired Westaro Hosing Ltd, an Irish workwear and safety company in a multi-million-euro deal. Having previously acquired three companies globally, the acquisition is the first Irish investment of this type for Portwest.
The company was also recognised for the seventh consecutive time and achieved platinum standard at Ireland’s Best Managed Companies 14th annual awards programme, led by Deloitte in association with Bank of Ireland.
In relation to the Westaro acquisition, Portwest Head of Corporate Finance Helen Noud said: “Acquisition of market leading workwear and safety companies is key part of the Portwest groups global growth strategy, and we are delighted to be able to secure this deal within the Irish market”
Portwest is one of the fastest growing workwear companies in the world. Founded in Westport, in 1904, the company is run by the Hughes family, headed up by brothers Cathal, Harry and Owen Hughes. Portwest currently employs over 4,500 people worldwide, has sales in over 130 countries, warehousing facilities in Ireland, UK, Poland, Dubai, Australia, and USA and four fully owned factories in Asia and Africa.
Portwest Ireland CEO, Rachel Davoren added: “We look forward to working with Vincent Kenny and the team at Westaro over the coming years, we are excited about expanding and enhancing our offering to our customer base in Ireland. We will retain all staff from the company ensuring a smooth and seamless transition with both companies operating independently until 2024.”
Founded in 1988, Westaro Hosing Ltd has also become a market leader in the Irish workplace, supplying a wide range of protective clothing, footwear, safety, industrial hosing, and gardening products. Since the business was set up in 1988, directors John Lavelle and Vincent Kenny have been the face of the business, driving its success and growing to employ more than 20 people right across the country. Westaro CEO, Vincent Kenny commented, “We are confident that Portwest’s investment along with their knowledge and expertise in the industry will provide the best outcome for our employees, customers and suppliers.”
CMS success
A second Mayo company also received an award at the Ireland’s Best Managed Companies accolade at the 14th annual awards programme, led by Deloitte in association with Bank of Ireland.
CMS Distribution, based in Kiltimagh achieved gold standard having won for the fourth consecutive year.
This year, Deloitte recognised 136 indigenous companies at the awards representing 25 of the 32 counties across Ireland. This is the first year where the awards programme returned as an in-person event following the pandemic and culminated with a gala awards ceremony at The Convention Centre, Dublin.
The network of companies has a combined turnover of €13.9 billion providing over 51,000 jobs across Ireland across a range of sectors – from retail and hospitality to manufacturing and construction.
