Fire protection business Wtech grows to 13 companies, lifts workforce beyond 860 and launches a new training and technology centre in Mullingar.
Mullingar-born business Wtech Fire Group has completed three new acquisitions and has officially opened its €2.5m group headquarters and FAST Centre of Excllence.
This marks a significant stage in the company’s expansion across Ireland and mainland Europe.
“Our overall ambition has always been to employ the best to be the best, and this investment creates the environment to support that”
This follows news last week that Wtech has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by APi Group Corporation, a US-listed global, market-leading business services provider of fire and life safety, security, elevator and escalator, and specialty services with over 500 locations worldwide.
Located adjacent to Writech’s original facility, the new building represents a significant investment in operational capability, innovation and the future growth of the entire Wtech Group, further strengthened by the addition of three new businesses to the platform.
European fire safety leader
Originally a family business, in Ireland the Group has acquired Absolute Fire & Security, a wholly owned provider of fire protection and security services operating across Louth, Meath and Dublin, bringing over 40 years of combined experience in fire detection, emergency lighting, extinguishers and security systems.
In Germany, Wtech has added Feuerfuchs Brandschutz GmbH, a business employing over 40 people and specialising in the supply, installation and maintenance of stationary fire extinguishing systems, with strong expertise in the planning and delivery of fixed systems across the German market.
In addition, Wtech has signed an agreement, set to complete over the coming weeks, to acquire PACISA, a Madrid-headquartered leader in the design, installation and maintenance of complete fire protection systems, with a workforce of more than 215 people and an established presence across Spain, Portugal, England, Romania, Slovakia and Germany.
Together, these acquisitions significantly enhance Wtech’s capabilities, geographic reach and position as a leading fire safety platform in Europe.
“Our new headquarters represents a new chapter for Wtech Fire Group,” said group chief executive Ted Wright. “It brings our people, systems and capabilities together under one roof in a way that will allow us to scale faster and deliver even greater value to our clients across Europe.
“Our overall ambition has always been to employ the best to be the best, and this investment creates the environment to support that, strengthening the foundations of our FAST businesses and reinforcing our commitment to training, innovation and operational excellence.”
“This momentum is further supported by our recent acquisitions, which expand our geographic reach, enhance our technical capabilities and are highly complementary to our existing platform, positioning the Group strongly for continued growth across Europe.”
The new headquarters spans 10,000 square feet, mirroring the size of Writech’s first building. It will house both Group functions and Wtech’s FAST (Fire and Security Technology) division, which will operate from the building as its dedicated centre of excellence, and enable Writech’s group of companies to grow by approximately 100 new positions.
With currently13 leading companies in its portfolio, Wtech Fire Group continues to grow, offering specialist services in the design, manufacturing, installation, and maintenance of both water-based and gaseous fire protection systems. The cornerstone of the Group, Writech, was founded in 1985 and employees over 140 people.
“We are delighted to support Writech and the wider Wtech Fire Group as they complete these strategic acquisitions and continue to invest in capability across the platform,” said Laura Dillon, partner, Waterland in Ireland.
“The addition of Absolute Fire & Security, Feuerfuchs Brandschutz and PACISA further strengthens the Group’s geographic reach and technical depth, and the new headquarters and FAST centre of excellence demonstrate a clear commitment to long-term growth, innovation and talent development.”
Top image: Ted Wright, group chief executive, Wtech
-
Bank of Ireland is welcoming new customers every day – funding investments, working capital and expansions across multiple sectors. To learn more, click here
-
For support in challenging times, click here
-
Listen to the ThinkBusiness Podcast for business insights and inspiration. All episodes are here. You can also listen to the Podcast on:
-
Spotify
-
SoundCloud
-
Apple
