Manufacturing & Supply Chain

Comar has announced multi-million euro expansion plans for its Ireland-based affiliate – Automatic Plastics Limited (APL) located in Tinahely, County Wicklow. The initiative is expected to result in the creation of approximately 80 new jobs over the next 3 years and is great news for a community already celebrating APL’s 50th anniversary as a local employer and community partner. The project is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland.

Established in 1972, Automatic Plastics Ltd. (APL), specializes in custom injection moulding for pharma and medtech. APL’s dedicated workforce of 130 staff have a history of excellence in the 50 years in successful business. With a focus on Operational Excellence and sustainable manufacturing APL has provided excellence in manufacturing to the leading pharma and medtech companies located in Ireland and overseas. The recent focus on automation and bespoke solutions for clients requiring complex assembly has led to the continued expansion of the business and motivated the rationale for further expansion.

Earlier this year, APL was acquired by Comar, a US-based designer and manufacturer of innovative plastic packaging, dispensing, diagnostic, and medical device component solutions. Comar is backed by investment funds managed by Morgan Stanley Capital Partners. The acquisition provides Comar with a European facility to serve their global clients.

Al Lawless, Managing Director, said: “APL, founded in 1972 by Al Lawless Senior, has a proud legacy of 50 years in the community. Our wonderful workforce and local talent have driven the company to achieve incredible success. Being part of Comar facilitates this exciting new chapter for our expansion and further growth.”

Brian Larkin, CEO of Comar, added: “By collaborating closely with IDA Ireland, APL’s growth is expected transform our European capabilities while demonstrating a lasting commitment to the people and communities that enabled APL to be successful for five decades. We believe that APL has superb quality, best-in-class manufacturing, and a spectacular management team. The planned expansion of their site is expected to support the incredible growth of our current and future multinational pharma and medtech clients and accelerate our participation in the European healthcare markets.”

Martin Shanahan, CEO of IDA Ireland, said: “The celebrations presents an opportunity to look back and acknowledge the substantial impact that APL, a Comar company, has made on the local economy and Ireland’s med tech sector through its presence in Co Wicklow over the past 50 years.  We also note the vote of confidence in the future that the company has made with the announcement of a multi-million investment in expanding the facility and the addition of 80 new jobs. I wish the entire team continued success.”