Mary B Walsh is the founder and Managing Director of Ire Wel Pallets Ltd. Established in May 1990, IWP is a sustainable pallet and packaging solutions provider, supplying pallets, boxes and crates to its exporting customers in the Medical Devices, Pharmaceutical, Food, Drinks, Electronics and Engineering industries, amongst others.
Based near Gorey, Co. Wexford, IWP operates from the first purpose-built pallet manufacturing facility in Ireland, incorporating a state-of-art ventilated storage facility for kiln dried timber and pallets in addition to the production facilities on-site.
Investments of €6m in recent years have introduced new technology on site that has given the company more control over its production, quality and stock. Recent solar panel investments are delivering immediate return on that investment, together with delivering a green energy power solution for the entire business. This project is a continuation of IWP’s strategy to minimise the company’s carbon footprint. The IWP pallets are an example of the circular economy in action: IWP products are sustainable, energy efficient, repairable, recyclable and reusable. A pallet’s lifecycle can be up to – and even beyond 25 years during which time it continues to store carbon until it has reached the end of its life. After this, it can be recycled usefully. The company is exploring export markets, including the UK, and is continuing expansion plans for the business.
To help achieve their goals, Ire Wel Pallets currently employ a team of 50 staff and are expanding. Mary is a Board Member on TIMCON (The UK Pallet & Packaging Association) since 2015, on Hospice Homecare, LoveGorey, and County Wexford Chamber. Mary was the Wexford Ambassador on National Women’s Enterprise Day in 2019 and 2020.