Monopoly money for Hasbro Ireland

Hasbro Ireland, a subsidiary of the company behind much-loved board games such as Monopoly, made some real money for its US owner last year.

The Waterford-based manufacturing facility recorded a rise in sales last year of more than 17 per cent to €19.7 million. It also recorded a 24 per cent rise in profits to just over €1 million. The company is still sitting on accumulated losses, however, of more than €9 million.

The company, which has been based in the city since 1977, employed an average of about 260 staff over the year, according to its recently-filed financial statements.

Hasbro Ireland manufactures games primarily for the European market. It produces Hasbro-owned brands and also engages in contract-manufacturing for third parties across a range of industries.

The Waterford plant produces games including Monopoly, Cluedo, Risk, and the Game of Life. It manufacturess the boards for the popular games, and also has an injection moulding facility which it uses to make the "Monopoly houses and hotels".