15 February 2016
Antrim based printers, W&G Baird, which has operations in Northern Ireland, Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland, has invested over £4m in a highly specialised technology leading printing press, folding machines and binding line, with support from Bank of Ireland UK.
W&G Baird, Ireland’s largest and most successful commercial printing firm, prints a wide range of digital and lithographic products, everything from leaflets to coffee table books and folders to magazines. The investment represents the latest technology in sheetfed printing and maintains the company’s position at the forefront of the industry in terms of both quality and environmental responsibility in Ireland. W&G Baird employs 95 staff at its main site in Antrim and has Sales offices in Dublin and Nottingham. It is the first business in the UK and Ireland to have invested in this new equipment and it will enable the company to increase productivity and capitalise on the potential for growth in export markets across the Republic of Ireland and mainland UK.
Gavin Kennedy, Director Business Banking Northern Ireland, Bank of Ireland UK said: “We are very pleased to have supported W&G Baird in funding this investment. Bank of Ireland has a long standing relationship with W&G Baird and has supported its growth over the last number of years.
“This latest investment demonstrates our continuing commitment to helping local companies who have a proven track record, a quality management team and a focus on growth. It’s a great example of a business delivering growth through innovation and we look forward to continuing to work with the company to deliver on this.
“Last year, along with the British Irish Chamber of Commerce and Trinity Business School, Bank of Ireland UK launched the Trinity International Growth Programme to support SME’s wanting to scale and grow their business to international markets, we are delighted that Managing Director, Patrick Moffett of W&G Baird will participate in the programme.”
Commenting on the investment, Patrick said: “We are continually looking at ways to innovate, deliver growth and remain competitive. We already operate the largest print room on the island but the installation of this new press and binder will enhance our already considerable capacity and maintain the company’s position as an innovator in the industry. We have worked closely with Bank of Ireland UK over a number of years and as ever they were responsive to our funding needs.”
