Coillte buys MDF manufacturer

Coillte have announced that they have bought Weyerhaeuser Europe Limited, the Clonmel-based manufacturer of medium density fibreboard (MDF).

The acquisition had been cleared by the Competition Authority on November 10.

Coillte Chief Executive David Gunning said: "This acquisition will enable Coillte to further develop as a successful pan-European business operating in forestry, forest products and land based businesses.

"In order to mark this new development the business will be re-named as Medite Europe Ltd recognising the strength of the Medite brand and the premium position it commands in its core markets."

Medite MDF was originally established in Clonmel in 1983 by the Medite Corporation of the USA.

Since 1983. it has undergone several ownership changes.

It was acquired by Weyerhaeuser from Willamette Industries in 2002.

It employs 165 people and, as well as supplying the Irish market, exports MDF to the UK, mainland Europe and beyond.

The company has pioneered a range of premium MDF products including Medite Premier, Medite Exterior, Medite MR, Medite Plus, Medite FQ., Medite FR a flame retardant MDF, and Medite Ecologique which is used in sensitive environments such as hospitals.