McKenna re-joins Kildare site as W.Howard MD

Leading MDF profiles manufacturer The W.Howard Group has announced Paul McKenna as the new managing director for its Kildare site.

The appointment comes just eight months after the business acquired the Irish operation, formerly known as Balcas Kildare.

Paul, who is from Straffan re-joins the business having spent over 17 years working with Balcas, originally starting as a graduate with the business and working his way up to operations manager.

He has spent the past 18 months pursuing other opportunities and now returns to the Kildare site with a vast and unique knowledge of the plant, processes and its people.

The W.Howard Group purchased Balcas Kildare in November 2016, a move that has already successfully added significant capacity and the innovative KOTA brand to its wide product range. It also supplies quality MDF profiles - skirtings, architraves, window boards, door linings and bespoke products, offering one of the largest core ranges in Europe with over 200 profiles and sizes.

Speaking about his appointment, Paul said: "I am so pleased to be working back in the sector and for the opportunity to apply my experience, knowledge of the team, the product and the site's processes to this thriving business.

"This is a really exciting time for the W.Howard Group and its KOTA product with expansion in the Irish market - I believe that the business is well placed to overcome any market challenges associated with the volatility around Brexit."

W. Howard Group managing director, Graham Williams who looks after the Group's operations in the UK, said: "Because Paul spent over 17 years working with Balcas, we could not have a candidate more suited to this important role.

"During discussions about his return, the affection for and commitment to the business that Paul has shone through like a beacon, so we are really excited about what he brings to the table and what we can achieve as a result.

"On behalf of the W.Howard team both in Ireland and the UK, I'd like to welcome Paul to the Group and wish him every good fortune for the future."