Genfitt looking to increase staff numbers to 170

The new owners of Genfitt in Kiltimagh are looking to increase their workforce to 170 people and are seeking help from the council to avail of a new site.

Genfitt is one of the success stories of Mayo industry having recently celebrated its 50th year in business and has gone on to become one of the largest wholesale distributors of farm machinery parts in the country.

The Kiltimagh-based company was recently acquired by the Kramp Group which is one of the largest spare parts suppliers in Europe and operates in 24 countries.

Genfitt currently employ over 60 people and operate largely out of a 40,000 square foot premises in Kiltimagh where they dispatch orders to any part of the country and beyond within 24 hours.

Speaking at the monthly meeting of Mayo County Council, local councillor Adrian Forkin said that while the company was purchased by the new owners, the area of ground where they operate was not.

He explained that he was in discussions with the management of the company and they are seeking to move into new premises with the aim of increasing the workforce to 170 people.

“They are looking for a greenfield site around Kiltimagh and I am asking the council if there is any way possible they can support this. There are 70 jobs in Genfitt in Kiltimagh and it is huge for the town. Your firefighters and coaches in GAA and soccer clubs are all employed there and we hope those jobs are retained in the general Kiltimagh area. The plan is to increase employment in it to employ up to 170 which for a town of Kiltinagh's size will be huge.

“I know you have had discussions with them but I would ask you to do what you can to keep those jobs in the Kiltimagh area and as local as possible for the benefit of the town,” he said.