Lyreco, the European leader and third largest distributor of workplace products and solutions in the world, is expanding its Irish operation by investing €34 million in a new facility in Rathcoole, Co. Dublin. Lyreco’s Irish presence dates back to 1970, with the company celebrating over 50 years in Ireland. Lyreco Ireland currently employs 94 people and the opening of its new facility in Dublin is expected to create an additional 50 jobs. The business has the largest field-based sales force in the industry and its new premises will be the largest of its kind in Ireland, with innovative vertical storage technology and 50 per cent additional capacity on site.
Michael Milward, Managing Director of Lyreco UK and Ireland said at the launch “Today is a proud occasion for all the Lyreco team as we celebrate the continuation of our Irish journey with a fantastic new facility here in Rathcoole. We have come a long way over the past 50 years, and we are excited to continue our journey, delivering a great working day to businesses across the region. Our new premises are part of an ambitious expansion plan in Ireland that will see us increasing our partnerships with our customers, helping them to adapt to the changing face of how we all work and provide them with workplace solutions that help them to achieve their sustainability objectives too.”
“By investing some €34 million, we are pledging our future to Ireland showing the depth of our ambition in this market. Expanding our business with our new facility will create more than 50 new jobs, while significantly expanding our range of partnerships with Irish producers. This will create added value and employment in the indigenous workplace solutions market, underscoring our contribution to the local economy. We have been quietly supporting and improving Irish businesses for the past half a century, but today’s announcement shows that we are ready to move onto the next level. Lyreco are here for the long haul and we’re looking forward to playing our part in the transition to an exciting new way of working and doing business for the good of our people and our planet as demonstrated through our Lyreco Goodness approach,” said Michael Milward.
Lyreco is already one of Ireland’s foremost workplace solutions providers, partnering with both private and public sector clients in retail, industry, hospitality, healthcare, construction, and education, as well as satisfying the growing demand for home office and hybrid working. The company stocks over 7,000 products in their Dublin distribution centre, with many available for next day delivery, and has access to over 3,000 additional products which are available for delivery within 48 hours. These products span 18 categories including general office stationery and supplies, cleaning and catering, hygiene and personal protective equipment, technology and much more.
As part of its commitment to local communities, Lyreco is working towards a strict set of environmental and social targets including zero waste to landfill by 2025 – the Ireland premises boosts 98 per cent zero waste to landfill currently. This aligns with the company’s global pledge to achieve a circular economy, with products and solutions being upcycled, re-used, and producing no waste.
The growth of Lyreco’s Irish division supports the infusion of the Lyreco Goodness approach. The Lyreco Goodness initiative gives Lyreco the opportunity to clearly communicate their ambitions, objectives, and priorities on social value, sustainability and wellbeing. Lyreco continuously strive to have a positive impact on all their beneficiaries, making economic, social, environmental, and cultural responsibilities a priority in everything they do.
Michael Walby, Lyreco Ireland’s Country Head of Sales said: “We have a great team here in Ireland and we work extremely hard across the business to minimise our social and environmental impact. We’re committed to demonstrating Lyreco Goodness in everything we do, which helps us maintain our position as a sector leader in sustainability. Our Lyreco Goodness philosophy includes our commitment to our employee wellbeing responsibilities and CSR strategies which is supported through multiple initiatives such as our charity partnership with Pieta House and our Microbusiness Support Programme. We want to ensure that Lyreco continues to be an industry leader and an employer of choice. The opening of our new head office and distribution centre will support these goals and facilitate further strong growth.”
Last year, as part of the company’s UK and Ireland subsidiary, Lyreco delivered more than two million orders to some 47,000 customers at 226,000 addresses. The expansion of the company’s Irish operation is expected to contribute to a doubling of sales turnover in the next two to three years, embedding Lyreco’s commitment to the Irish market.
Pictured: Michael Milward, Managing Director of Lyreco UK and Ireland, Michael Walby, Lyreco Ireland’s Country Head of Sales and Audrey Sherry, National Account Manager and longest serving member of the Lyreco Ireland team marks 36 years with the company.
Pic Credit Julien Behal Photography
