Glennon Brothers shortlisted for Entrepreneur of the Year award - 11th June 2010

 

Mike and Pat Glennon of Timber processing firm, Glennon Brothers, are among the 24 shortlisted finalists for the coveted 2010 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year® award. The Irish programme, now in its 13th year, has been identified as one of the strongest worldwide and received over 120 nominations, a reflection of the strength of the enterprise culture that exists today.

Glennon Brothers was founded in 1913 by William Glennon and his brother James. William ran the business until 1943 when he was succeeded by his son Paddy - Pat and Mike Glennon's father. Paddy was responsible for the growth and development of the business over the next 40 years. He was supported on the technological and engineering side of the business by his brother Mick. In the early 1990's Pat and Mike succeeded their father as joint Managing Directors and have since grown the business from €8million to an impressive €70million today. With facilities in Longford, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Arklow, Co. Wicklow and Scotland, The Glennon Brothers Group employs over 340 people directly and another 170 people indirectly in the areas of harvesting and haulage.

Commenting on being shortlisted, the Glennon Brothers said: "We're absolutely delighted to have been short-listed in these Awards which recognise some of the world's most innovative businesses. At Glennon Brothers, we are passionate about being pioneers in the timber processing sector and feel that this nomination acknowledges the dedication of our 340 employees who have been integral to our success."

"Despite operating in a challenging sector, we have maintained our vision for growth and continued to increase our focus on customer satisfaction. This has enabled us to seize opportunities and grow through strategic acquisitions, robust organic growth and to develop in to new international markets."

Frank O'Keeffe, partner-in-charge, Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, said: "Entrepreneurial activity has contributed to the record levels of prosperity Ireland has enjoyed - and it will help the local economy to remain competitive in more difficult economic times. The award's programme continues to help acclaim entrepreneurs and provide valuable role models for existing and future business innovators."

Chaired by previous award winner, Mr. Padraig O'Ceidigh, Chairman, Aer Arann, the 11-strong panel of judges, have chosen eight companies in each of three categories - international, industry and emerging. Glennon Brothers has been selected in the industry category. An immediate benefit to each finalist is a gateway to over 200 of Ireland's leading entrepreneurs through the network the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year® Programme provides.

This year's Entrepreneur of the Year CEO Retreat will facilitate a trade mission to the Shanghai World Expo, where, in line with its theme "Better City, Better Life", Pat and Mike, and fellow finalists, will be challenged to embrace the urbanised world of the future and to find new business opportunities in rapidly increasing urbanisation. Accompanied by over 20 past finalists, the 50 strong entrepreneurial group, will also participate in leadership strategy sessions and be given the opportunity to engage in a series of one-to-one meetings with Chinese business leaders.

The 24 finalist will feature in a three-part series to appear on RTE in October, and the overall winner will be announced at a televised awards ceremony on the 21st October.

Glennon Brothers is now the premier name in the Irish and UK timber processing industry. Through its plants in Ireland and Scotland, the firm offers a one-stop-shop solution, supplying both the Irish and UK markets with products for the construction, pallet wood and fencing industries. This one-stop-shop approach ensures the firm continues to push the boundaries of machinery and technology to produce home grown timber to the highest international standards.

The Glennon Brothers Group is also a leading provider of quality timber frame homes and engineered roof trusses in the UK and Ireland through Alexander Timber Design based in Troon, and Dempsey Timber Engineering (DTE) based in Arklow.

The Group is committed to reducing its impact on the environment and has gained Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification for its products across all timber processing sites that they are sourced from sustainably managed forests.