Pallets firm creates new jobs

A firm manufacturing environmentally-friendly wood pallets is to create 73 jobs in Co Cork over the next two years, it was announced today.

Eirebloc Ltd is investing $16m in the new facility in Macroom.

Enterprise Ireland has provided €6m in funding for the project.

Eirebloc is a new company formed from joint venture between two Cork companies, Mid Cork Pallets Ltd and Palfab Ltd.

Enterprise Minister Micheal Martin said: “This substantial investment is a significant endorsement for Macroom. Not only will it create 73 high value jobs over the coming two years, it will also lead to significant spin-off economic benefits for the region.”

Enterprise Ireland executive Richard Murphy said: “Operating in a traditional sector, Eirebloc will create a sustainable competitive advantage through innovation and technology acquisition.”

Eirebloc will be using recycled wood as a raw material to manufacture the wood pallet blocks in an environmentally friendly process.

The firm’s director Sean Lehane claimed the product will be cheaper and longer-lasting than the tradition sawn-wood pallets.