Liebherr reaffirms Kerry commitment

One of Ireland’s oldest manufacturing companies has given a long-term commitment to Kerry where it employs more than 800 people.

Isolde Liebherr, who jointly manages the family-owned Liebherr company with her brother Willi, pledged their commitment to their Killarney plant and their three luxury hotels in the area.

Speaking at a function where she was presented with the freedom of the town by Killarney Town Council, she said the company would continue to invest in the area.

“We, the Liebherr family, look forward to the future with confidence and, in particular, to our continued association with Killarney for many years to come,” she said.

Over 600 people are employed in the Killarney Liebherr factory which manufactures container cranes, and a further 200 people in its hotels, The Europe, Dunloe Castle and Ard na Sidhe.

Ms Liebherr has become only the second person to be presented with the freedom of Killarney.

The late Mons Hugh O’Flaherty, credited with saving the lives of thousands of Allied prisoners of war and Jews in Rome during World War Two, was posthumously given the honour in 2008.

Killarney mayor Sean Counihan said Liebherr had made a huge contribution to the greater Killarney area for more than a half century and he welcomed its continued commitment.

“When you consider all the companies that have come and gone out of Ireland in that time, Liebherr stands out like a beacon and is undoubtedly one of the country’s most successful industries,” he said.

Globally, the company has a workforce of 35,000 in 35 destinations, 16 countries and four continents, he added.

Mayor Counihan also suggested that Liebherr might look at the vacant Pretty Polly plant in Killarney if it had plans for future expansion in the area.

The reception was attended by council members and officials along with businesspeople in Killarney who have a long association with the Liebherr company.