Recently, our team chatted with Derek Byrne, Fleetwood Paints' Marketing Manager, to explore the company's rich history, commitment to local manufacturing, and efforts in sustainability and community support. Here’s what we learned about how Fleetwood Paints exemplifies the values of Guaranteed Irish.
Family Business and Company History
Fleetwood Paints has a rich history spanning over 70 years, rooted in humble beginnings. Founded in the 1950s by the Doyle family in a shed in Clontarf, the company aimed to emulate the best qualities of the Cadillac Fleetwood, reflecting a commitment to excellence.
Manufactured in Virginia, Co. Cavan
“Every litre of paint is manufactured at our plant in Virginia, Co. Cavan, where we've been operating since 1976. We have the largest R&D department of any Irish paint company right there. We engineer, test, create, and produce everything on-site, ensuring our products are specifically designed for the Irish market and the Irish climate.”
The location choice was influenced by founder Conor Doyle’s familial ties to the area and the availability of government grants encouraging industrial development outside Dublin. This local manufacturing not only supports the regional economy but also allows for continual product innovation tailored to Ireland's unique weather conditions.
Utilising Irish Suppliers
Fleetwood’s commitment to supporting local businesses is evident throughout its supply chain.
“There are quite a few local businesses that are inextricably linked with us as well, mainly through transport, pallet-supply, packaging but also things like store fit-out. Every opportunity we have to support another Irish business we take and while there are patriotic reasons for this, we have also realised that, over time, a local Irish business with a small supply-chain is more reliable to us than an overseas business.”
The company has longstanding relationships with local transport companies like Virginia Transport and Nolan Transport, as well as suppliers like IPL in Cork for plastic can stock and CCE in Roscommon for colour cards. These partnerships ensure reliability, sustain jobs within local communities and foster economic growth in Ireland. By prioritising Irish suppliers, Fleetwood minimises global supply chain disruptions and enhances the sustainability of its operations. This approach underscores the company's dedication to local enterprise and the benefits of a localised supply chain.
Community Support
Fleetwood Paints actively engages with and supports local communities.
“Over the years, we've donated hundreds of thousands of litres of paint to various community groups.”
Their extensive community outreach includes significant charitable donations and initiatives like the “Community Colour” campaign. The campaign, which ran for two months this year and celebrated 61 winners, provided paint donations to sports clubs, scouts, meals on wheels, and men’s sheds across the country. These efforts, facilitated through direct donations and collaborations with third-party stores, have resulted in hundreds of thousands of litres of paint being given to community groups over the years. Fleetwood’s commitment to community support reflects its values and enhances its role as a positive force in Irish society.
Sustainability Efforts
“Sustainability is a core focus for Fleetwood Paints. The company has been a leader in the industry-wide shift from oil-based to water-based paints, driven by early recognition of environmental trends and robust R&D efforts. Fleetwood Paints’s proactive approach has accelerated the adoption of more sustainable paint solutions industry-wide.”
Fleetwood has also made strides in reducing plastic packaging and increasing the use of infinitely recyclable metal tins. The introduction of the Air+ Ecospec range, designed for strict sustainability standards in large building projects, and air-purifying paints that treat harmful pollutants, highlight Fleetwood’s innovative approach to sustainability. Maintaining high standards in environmental protection, the company adheres to stringent EPA licences and ISO standards, ensuring its production facility operates securely and sustainably.
Guaranteed Irish Membership
“The Guaranteed Irish Membership is hugely important to us. It helps Irish consumers make more sustainable choices, knowing they are supporting local businesses.”
Fleetwood Paints’ membership with Guaranteed Irish is a testament to its alignment with the organisation’s principles. Fleetwood’s focus on quality jobs, sustaining enterprise in the community, reducing its environmental impact, and promoting locally sourced products resonates with the principles of Guaranteed Irish and reinforces its position as a trusted and responsible Irish business.
Conclusion
Fleetwood Paints exemplifies the values of Guaranteed Irish through its strong family business roots, local manufacturing in Virginia, Co. Cavan, use of Irish suppliers, active community support, and robust sustainability efforts. By prioritising local enterprise and sustainable practices, Fleetwood not only contributes to the Irish economy but also sets a benchmark for responsible business operations. The company's dedication to quality, community, and the environment ensures that it remains a symbol of trust and a positive force in Ireland.
Fleetwood Paints is a Guaranteed Irish Member and features on Guaranteed Irish House website. https://www.guaranteedirishhouse.ie/.
Interview conducted by John Gilsenan @ Market Dynamics.