Sometimes in business, it is nice to stop and reminisce about how far your business has come and celebrate your successes with colleagues. This is something that Mid Cork Pallets & Packaging (MCP) had the opportunity to experience in recent weeks as we applauded our 45 years in business with a celebration on-site and presentation to staff members.
A brief overview of our history and where our company stands today
MCP was established in 1978 by local man Johnny Lehane from a single warehouse having seen a gap in the market to repair used pallets. Having become specialists in the pallet repair industry, MCP quickly expanded into pallet manufacturing and were one of the first companies in Ireland to commission an automated pallet manufacturing machine. In 1992, MCP diversified their operations, expanding steadily into the supply of customised packaging solutions for the drinks, food, e-commerce and medical packaging industries. A sister company to MCP and built on the grounds of their Clondrohid site, Cork Green Energy was commissioned back in 2019 (which was 10 years in the making) as a Combined Heat and Power Plant (CHP) to generate green electricity. Powered by biomass, which is a carbon-neutral green energy source, Cork Green Energy produces 1.3 megawatts of green electricity per hour, which is supplied directly to the national grid to power the energy of over 1,200 houses. It also powers MCP’s energy needs on site.
(1978)
(2023)
Today, MCP operate from over 700,000 square feet, spread over 60 acres of production and storage facilities and produce over 2.5 million pallets per annum and boast one of the largest pallet offerings in Ireland with their extensive range of timber, Euro, heat-treated pallets and custom pallets and crates. MCP are also one of Ireland’s leading packaging companies and offer a complete service to its customers from hands-on design, prototyping, and expert advice through to producing engaging, unique packaging and currently supply over 10,000 different packaging products! As a complementary service, MCP also offer storage solutions to both new and existing customers from their two strategically located sites in Clondrohid, Co. Cork and Dunboyne, Co. Meath.
Recruiting and retaining the right staff has always been key to MCP’s success
MCP are one of the largest employers in the locality both directly (employing 100 staff) many of whom are local to the area (over 40% of staff live within a 5 mile radius) and indirectly through timber mills, transportation and other services etc at both sites in Clondrohid and Dunboyne. This year MCP celebrates 45 years in business which is a huge achievement for any company. “Key to MCP’s operations has always been our staff, some of which have been with us 45 years and still have many years left!!!” smiles Johnny. Johnny continues, “MCP have seen huge changes over the years, but it is our commitment to providing a quality reliable product at competitive prices exactly when and where our customers need it, mixed with our longstanding and committed staff, has propelled MCP as the leader in our respective fields”. Aidan Harty, Managing Director of MCP explains “Being in business for 45 years doesn’t just take luck, it takes a lot of hard work, determination and surrounding yourself with the best staff and loyal customers,”. “Our experienced staff engage with our customers’ evolving needs to provide them with expert advice, quality products, and reliable delivery, all combined with excellent customer service” remarks Aidan.
What does the future hold
One thing is for sure, the future for MCP is bright as they are currently expanding their production and storage and distribution facilities even further with the commissioning of their third custom-built, leading-edge pallet manufacturing machine later this summer, and the addition of two new warehouses at their Clondrohid and Dunboyne facilities, with an additional capacity of 20,000 pallet spaces. Here’s to their next 45 years!
