Waterland obtains majority stake in fire-safety firm Writech

Westmeath-based fire-protection company Writech has secured "significant new investment" from private-equity firm Waterland to accelerate its UK and European growth strategy and double capacity at its design and innovation centre in Mullingar.

Writech, which was founded in 1981 by Mary and Thomas Wright before sons Ted and Alan took over in 2008, provides fire-protection systems to clients, including some of the largest blue-chip companies in the world.

Waterland would not disclose the financial details of the deal but said it had obtained a majority stake.

Writech designs, manufactures, installs and services the systems across a range of sectors including data centres, life sciences, logistics, retail, office and food and beverage.

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The company is headquartered in Mullingar, where its modular systems are designed using 3D building information modelling technology and prefabricated to clients’ requirements in an off-site manufacturing facility.

Planning permission

It had total sales of more than €20 million last year, and this year the company was granted planning permission to further develop its design and innovation facility in Mullingar Industrial Centre, which will add 30 new jobs.

Writech chief executive Ted Wright said: “We are delighted to be partnering with the Waterland team who are experienced in working with family businesses and share our vision for creating a European leader in the fire-safety market.

“Having such a strong and experienced partner enables us to accelerate our ambitious plans and unlocks exciting new opportunities for organic and acquisition led growth in Ireland, the UK and Europe.

Waterland investment director Donal Mac Nioclais described Writech as an “exceptional business”.

“They have a great track record and reputation in the industry for unmatched product quality, customer service, technical innovation and safety,” he said.

“We are very excited about the future prospects for the business and look forward to working with the team to build on their successes to date and realise our joint growth ambitions.”