Portwest celebrates 120 years in business

WORKWEAR and outdoor wear manufacturer Portwest is proudly marking its 120th anniversary with a celebration day at its flagship store in Westport on Saturday, May 18.

All are welcome to join in the festivities, which will feature discounts, opportunities to win prizes, a live broadcast by Mid West Radio, a charity raffle for Westport Autism Friendly Town and plenty of other delightful surprises.

Founded in 1904 by Charles Hughes, Portwest has grown from its origins as a local drapery shop to become a leading manufacturer of protective wear worldwide. Expanding from its local base in Westport, its reach now extends nationally and internationally, with a presence in the UK, Poland, Spain, Italy, Albania, Turkey, UAE, Australia, New Zealand, China, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Tanzania, Canada, Mexico and the US. With a workforce exceeding 300 in Ireland and over 5,300 worldwide, the company continues to thrive on a global scale.

Brothers Harry, Cathal, and Owen Hughes, the leaders of Portwest, represent the third generation of the Hughes family, each contributing their particular expertise and passion to steer the company towards success. With a combined experience exceeding 120 years, their leadership has been instrumental in driving Portwest’s global expansion and industry leadership.

Building on this rich legacy, the fourth generation of the Hughes family has seamlessly integrated into the business, embodying the same entrepreneurial spirit and dedication that has defined Portwest for over a century. Henry Hughes, the eldest of the fourth generation, made his foray into the family business a decade ago, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Portwest’s history.

Since then, Henry’s cousins James and Cathal, along with his siblings Orla and Stephanie, have joined forces to carry forward the Hughes legacy, hoping to propel Portwest to even greater heights. Their fresh perspectives, combined with a deep-rooted commitment to quality and innovation, are driving Portwest’s continued growth and expansion into new markets.

“Reaching this remarkable milestone of 120 years is a testament to the dedication, hard work, and innovative spirit of our global team that have been integral to Portwest’s journey,” said Cathal Hughes, Chairman of Portwest Group. “As we celebrate our rich heritage and look towards the future, we remain committed to upholding the values that have guided us thus far, while embracing new opportunities for growth and innovation.”