Tricel formed through the rebranding of KMG Group in March 2014.
The 1970s – Foundation of the Group
Killarney Plastics was formed by Anne & Con Stack on the 1st February 1973 to manufacture High-Quality Composite and Fibreglass (GRP) products. At that time GRP was a new and innovative material to the Irish Market. The company produced a range of products including boats and building products for local people. The Company was located in a lane in the town of Killarney.
The 1980s – Growth of the business
Following its early success, a more significant premise was required to service the high demand for GRP products. The company broadened its horizons and moved to a new site where it constructed a small factory in the early 1980’s. Further employment was generated in response to demand.
Although existing business thrived, the company focused on developing a range of its products; water storage tanks and meter enclosures. The experience gained helped to establish unique manufacturing methods which laid the foundation for innovation and would later prove to be a critical factor in the growth of the company. The consistent manufacturing processes led to high-quality products, which fuelled further growth.
The 1990s – Developing a clear strategy:
In the early 1990s, the company expanded its hugely successful range of Water Storage Tanks and Meter Enclosures. Market development strategies saw the first export sales generated to the UK and Europe. Killarney Plastics capabilities and reputation in engineering and technical development flourished across Ireland and UK which was instrumental in being awarded contracts for both Irish and UK Utilities
A dual growth strategy was developed involving the generic growth of propriety products and the acquisitions of businesses. The company put a new business plan in place to grow the business into an international leader in the composites market.
The initial phase of the business plan was the expansion into the UK Market and in 1994 Gloucester Composites was established to manufacture the companies range of products for the UK market.
1997 saw further expansion with the setting up of raw material distribution company Fibreglass Sales in Northern Ireland.
1998 Killarney Manufacturing Group (KMG) was established to integrate the experience, manufacturing capabilities and personnel of the individual companies.
1999 KMG completed its first acquisition, Technotrak which provided the Group with a platform to diversify into the design and manufacture of civil and road safety products
The end of 1999 saw KMG acquire two of the UK’s leading water tank companies Dewey Waters and Nicholson Plastics. Dewey Waters based in Bristol was formed in 1956, and Nicholson Plastics with bases in Scotland and London was established in 1968. These acquisitions effectively doubled the size of KMG.
The 2000s – Strategy in action:
The start of the millennium saw KMG consolidate its recent acquisitions. To meet this need of continual growth a new headquarters, comprising of an R&D centre and advanced manufacturing facility, was constructed in Killarney
As part of KMG’s diversification strategy, the group expanded into the Environmental Sector. A new division Tricel was formed in 2002. Tricel was established to focus on the sewage treatment market, initially in Ireland and the UK and after that in Europe and the USA.
In 2005 KMG acquired AC Plastic Industries, a leading UK manufacturer of water and fire sprinkler tanks. AC Plastics formed in 1958 has a long tradition of supplying water tanks to the Middle East and North Africa
This decade saw KMG become the leading GRP water tank manufacturer in Europe with product sales in Europe, Africa and Asia.
2010 – 2014 The growth continues:
KMG continues to expand its customer base, markets and product range
In early 2011 KMG achieved a French Government Licence for its Tricel Sewage Treatment products.
In 2011 KMG opens its first mainland European factory in Poitiers, France to manufacture the Tricel range of sewage treatment products for the French market.
Also in 2012, Tricel received certification for its range of wastewater treatment systems in Germany. This represented another important milestone for the Tricel brand. Tricel being only one of the few Irish and UK brands to successfully hold both French and German government licenses.
2014 Rebranding
Early 2014, due to the growing success of Tricel, on the 28th of March KMG headed by its founding company Killarney Plastics underwent a rebrand which saw companies within the groups existing structure renamed to Tricel.
Tricel was already an established name in some countries, and the rebrand showed a positive step in signifying their future success. The original Tricel brand was established in 2002 as the company expanded into new markets, and 2014 was the perfect time to implement the rebrand so all aspects of the company could work together under a progressive new identity.
The new Tricel brand proposition signifies the beginning of an exciting time for the group as it eyes up further expansion and strengthening of existing customer and supplier relationships.
2015 New Jobs Announcement
May 2015 – 100 new jobs are to be created over the next twelve months by Tricel with 40 of these situated in the company’s headquarters in Killarney. The new jobs which include graduate positions will bolster the existing workforce of 270 based in Ireland, UK and France over the next 18 months and will strengthen operations in management, engineering, R&D, product development, marketing and manufacturing. The new jobs also mean that the company will invest in more resources to facilitate its expansion and it is hoped that many of the new graduate positions could come from local third level colleges in the Munster region. The project is supported by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation through Enterprise Ireland, the new jobs being created in Killarney HQ will be worth an extra €2.4 m to the local economy.
2015 – Puraflo Acquisition
Tricel announced the acquisition of CE certified Puraflo and the Platinum range of sewage treatment systems from Bord Na Mona. Bord Na Mona has been manufacturing and selling these products in Ireland and successfully exporting to Europe for over 30 years. Initially developed in the 80’s, they are still considered to be one of the most effective treatment systems on the market today. Tricel has purchased the assets, intellectual property, trademarks and rights associated with these treatment plants. As Puraflo plants have a unique peat fibre biofilter system, Tricel has entered into a long-term supply agreement with Bord Na Móna for the supply of the peat fibre which is key to the functioning of the system.
2015 – Finol Oils Acquisition
Tricel has announced the acquisition of Finol Oils, located in Dublin, Ireland. Finol Oil provides lubricant and maintenance products across a wide range of industries including Automotive, Commercial, Agriculture, Construction, Marine, Motorcycle, Industrial and Food manufacturing, further diversifying Tricel’s product portfolio. The new acquisition adds 22 professionals, along with 9 area sales managers to Tricel’s workforce strengthening its technical capacity and capabilities in the distribution of Lubricant & maintenance products in a diverse number of industries. With the recent addition of Finol Oils to Tricel’s portfolio, this acquisition further positions Tricel as a leading distributor of lubricant and maintenance products in Europe.
2016 – Fiberglass Supplies (Leeds) Ltd. Acquisition
In January 2016, Tricel announced the addition of Fiberglass Supplies (Leeds) Ltd. Based in West Yorkshire, the company has been in operation since the 1970’s and has an established offline and online presence. The company forms part of the Tricel Materials Division, bringing a wealth of experience from the fibreglass industry across each of the areas they specialise in including; Construction, Industrial, Marine & Automotive. The acquisition significantly increases the portfolio of fibreglass products available from Tricel.
2017 – Action Pumps Ltd. Acquisition & Launch of Tricel Composites
2017 was a year of celebration and change for the Tricel Group. Finol happily celebrated 40 years in business, and to mark the occasion the company launched a rebrand which included a new logo and website. Fiberglass Supplies (Leeds) Ltd also celebrated with 30 years in business. Furthermore, In September, Fiberglass Supplies Leeds and Glasplies merged into Tricel Composites (GB) Ltd, and Tricel (Newry) rebranded to Tricel Composites (NI) Ltd.
Along with the successful launch of Tricel Composites, the group also acquired Action Pumps Ltd, a UK based company. This acquisition is the latest in a series of moves targeting Tricel’s highly successful 2020 growth strategy. Ongoing growth throughout the company meant recruitment continued to be a priority, resulting in over 110 new employees joining Tricel throughout the year.
Tricel also achieved the French Agreement for the Seta Simplex, along with a French Agreement for the Novo pumped system. The company’s position in the French market is now firmly secured with the establishment of Tricel Avignon, which is now assembling the full range of Tricel treatment systems and supplying to the French market.
