Minister Bruton describes Carlow company as ‘patriotism at its best’
Deputy Pat Deering, Pat Byrne, minister for trade and enterprise Richard Bruton, Tom Byrne, Robert Byrne and Anthony Byrne at the official opening of the extension at Burnside Eurocyl
Photo: Karl McDonough
A €3.5m investment plan for Burnside Eurocyl Ltd has led to the creation of 25 new jobs this week, bringing the workforce of the Burnside Group across the county to almost 600.
Under the radar but massively achieving across the globe, the spotlight was firmly on this remarkable company last Tuesday when minister for jobs, enterprise and innovation Richard Bruton visited Burnside Eurocyl Ltd in Carlow to officially open the extension and announce the new jobs.
Minister Bruton described operations at Burnside Eurocyl Ltd as “patriotism at its best”, and a prime example of “Irish business obtaining the highest standards and exporting to world markets”.
The minister recalled that while on a recent trade mission to Germany, he visited the world-renowned Wirtgen Group facility, and the people there spoke of how Burnside Eurocyl Ltd was one of its most valued suppliers.
“The high regard they held for the quality and standards achieved by this company made me immensely proud,” said minister Bruton.
“I am delighted to be here for this very welcome announcement by Burnside Eurocyl that it is creating 25 jobs; I congratulate them on their achievement and wish them every success for the future.”
Burnside Eurocyl is a member of the Burnside Group, a family-owned company started in 1974 by brothers Paddy, Jimmy, Tom and Anthony from Graiguenaspidogue, Carlow.
From humble beginnings, the company has achieved incredible success and is now ranked as one of Europe’s largest hydraulic cylinder manufacturers. Burnside has five production facilities. They are located in Bagenalstown, Tullow and Carlow, with Burnside Autocyl, Burnside Hydrocyl and Burnside Eurocyl employing almost 600. It also subcontracts to local engineering businesses, employing an additional 100 people.
Indeed, the company is one of the county’s biggest employers, yet in its own understated way, it forges ahead, making real inroads through international markets.
Burnside Eurocyl was set up by Anthony and Tom Byrne in 1998 following a restructuring of the company and operates from a purpose-built 80,000 sq ft facility on O’Brien Road, Carlow, employing 155 highly trained staff. The company has also welcomed in as director Tom’s son Pat and Anthony’s son Robert.
This current expansion plan will enable Burnside Eurocyl to increase its export business by 10% a year. Currently, 95% of all sales are exported to 16 countries across mainland Europe, USA and Canada and has more recently begun business in China and Russia. Among its customers are household names like Volvo, JCB and Caterpillar.
Tom Byrne, joint MD of Burnside Eurocyl, welcomed the minister, deputy Pat Deering, cathaoirligh Eileen Brophy and Des Hurley and representatives from the Burnside Group to the plant last Tuesday.
“By 1998 the company had grown substantially, so it was decided to reorganise the business and set up three stand-alone companies. Anthony and I set up Burnside Eurocyl here on this site, and from six people at start-up, the employment has grown to 155 people today. We have a four-acre site here, with an 80,000 sq ft factory floor space with this new extension,” said Tom.
“We believe the success of the company is due to the experience and commitment of the workforce, many of whom have been with us for a number of years. On behalf of the directors, I would like to say thanks to all our staff for their hard work,” he said.
Mr Byrne stated that the €3.5m in this expansion plan over a three-year period has enabled the company to extend its manufacturing facilities, add additional plant and machinery, expand its training programme to include training in lean manufacturing techniques and the expansion and upgrading of its R&D facilities.
“All these steps will enable us to increase our sales by 30% over the next three years. The investment will create 25 new jobs and also help secure the jobs of our existing employees,” Tom said.
Managing director Anthony Byrne then presented minister Bruton with a copy of Jimmy O’Toole’s book, Carlow’s International Achievers, and a wood-turned vase by Burnside employee Colm Doyle.
Colm from Rath East, Tullow is a member of Dolmen Woodturning Chapter and created the beautifully-crafted segmented wood-turned vase over almost 100 hours of work.
