Ace Group Packaging annouce €2m investment
Wicklow based company Ace Group Packaging has announced plans to invest up to €2m in new high-tech print machines and automated production lines as it looks to ramp up exports to the UK and Europe.
Speaking during a visit to the firm by Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris, owner Robin Gardner said the investment in new paper bag-making machines will substantially increase its output and turnover.
Gardiner also revealed that the company has planning permission to double the size of its Blessington based factory, enabling further expansion and job creation in the local area.
Ace Group, which was founded in 1971 as a specialist in commercial refrigeration, evolved over several decades to include a medical division, which supplies refrigeration and calibration services to the pharmacy and medical sectors nationwide.
After diversifying into the manufacture of medical facemasks for frontline services during the covid pandemic it identified a new opportunity in the retail sector, and in June 2024 it launched a fully self-funded, state‑of‑the‑art paper bag manufacturing and printing division.
Effectively, a new start‑up within its existing business.
Over the last 18 months, the company has produced over 7 million custom-printed, sustainable paper bags for clients across the retail, food and pharmacy sectors.
The company currently employs 5 people but plans to double this to ten over the next 12 months.
Speaking after a tour of the facility, the Tánaiste, who was accompanied by local TD Edward Timmins as well as local councillors and officials, said the company’s willingness to innovate and diversify was an example to all.
“Small and medium sized businesses like Ace Group Packaging are the heartbeat of Irish economic life and make a key contribution to the local economy and community.
“The secret to its success and the success of business like it up and down the country, in a fast changing and uncertain world, is its willingness to innovate and the resilience of its management and employees.”
“The entrepreneurial flair and the ability it has shown to diversify into new products and services over its 53-year journey is truly remarkable.
“It saw the opportunity to supply Irish businesses with a high quality, sustainable and locally produced product and it pursued it with determination.
“In the process it is creating employment opportunities for high skilled jobs in the local area.
“Its success and its ambitious expansion plans show that Irish manufacturing businesses are up there with the best in the world.”
Gardner thanked the Tánaiste, Mr Timmons T.D. and Wicklow Local Enterprise Office for their support which he said was key in helping the company to expand.
“We have ambitious plans for the future, but we never forget where we are from.
“We work with Irish suppliers, we create local employment and we reinvest in our local community.
“That is really important to us and enables us to provide our customers with a superior product and service.
“It’s important to say that we would not have enjoyed the success we have without the support of Wicklow LEO.
“They have supported us with grants for marketing and employment as well as invaluable guidance on business and export development.”
“Government supports such as the commercial rates refund have been invested directly into our operations and through the commercial renewable energy grant, we have installed 185 solar panels, generating more than 100% of our energy needs. We are actually exporting power to the grid.
“That innovation has made us a truly sustainable supplier.”
Pictured are Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris and Robin Gardiner Managing Director at Ace Group and Cathaoirleach Wicklow County Council Councillor, Melanie Corrigan during a tour of the ACE Group Packaging plant in Blessington, Co. Wicklow
“One often hears about the loss of the Irish manufacturing base, but these supports play a vital role in supporting Irish manufacturers, enabling them to innovate and compete with lower-cost imports – especially when the playing field is often far from level.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank our staff for their hard work, commitment, and belief in building a home-grown success story.
“Their dedication has been central to achieving our success to date.”
Photo: Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris and Robin Gardiner Managing Director at Ace Group, Blessington, Co. Wicklow
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