Co Westmeath-based specialist fire protection, detection and maintenance company Wtech Fire Group has opened its new €2.5m group headquarters and also announced the acquisition of three new companies.
Wtech said the move marked a major milestone in its continued expansion across Ireland and Europe and brings its workforce to over 860.
Located adjacent to its original facility in Mullingar, Wtech said the new building is a significant investment in operational capability, innovation and the future growth of the entire group.
The new headquarters spans 10,000 square feet and will house both group functions and Wtech's FAST (Fire and Security Technology) division as well as the addition of 100 new jobs.
The group today announced a deal to buy Absolute Fire & Security, an Irish provider of fire protection and security services operating across Louth, Meath and Dublin, and with over 40 years of combined experience in fire detection, emergency lighting, extinguishers and security systems.
In Germany, Wtech has added Feuerfuchs Brandschutz, a business that employs over 40 people and specialises in the supply, installation and maintenance of stationary fire extinguishing systems.
It has also signed an agreement, set to complete over the coming weeks, to purchase PACISA, a Madrid-headquartered firm which design, installs and maintains complete fire protection systems, with a workforce of more than 215 people. The company has an established presence across Spain, Portugal, England, Romania, Slovakia and Germany.
Together, these acquisitions significantly enhance Wtech's capabilities, geographic reach and position as a leading fire safety platform in Europe.
Ted Wright, Group CEO of Wtech Fire, said the company's new headquarters represents a new chapter for Wtech Fire Group.
"It brings our people, systems and capabilities together under one roof in a way that will allow us to scale faster and deliver even greater value to our clients across Europe." he said.
"Our overall ambition has always been to employ the best to be the best, and this investment creates the environment to support that, strengthening the foundations of our FAST businesses and reinforcing our commitment to training, innovation and operational excellence," he added.
Wtech now operates in Ireland, the UK, Germany, Finland, Germany, Spain and Sweden.
Last week Wtech said it had entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by APi Group Corporation, a US-listed global business services provider of fire and life safety, security, elevator and escalator, and specialty services with over 500 locations worldwide.
