CJ Sheeran acquires Coolrain Sawmills

The deal between the two mills, which are less than 10km apart in Mountrath and Coolrain, Co Laois, was signed on November 6 by Mark Sheeran, managing director of CJ Sheeran and Declan Hutchinson, managing director of Coolrain Sawmills.

CJ Sheeran supplies a wide range of pallet users in the food and beverage, pharmaceutical, medical device, technological, engineering and general manufacturing sectors. It also has ancillary divisions including gates, fencing, equine bedding, garden mulch, biomass and packaging.

Coolrain Sawmills is a fencing and pallet specialist and supplies both domestic and UK markets. It also supplies the DIY sector with its Garden Living brand, which manufactures and supplies fencing and bark mulch.

Coolrain’s most recent investment was in the installation of new lines, including automated stacking supplied by Brodbaek.

“We are delighted with this deal,” said Mr Sheeran. “Both companies complement each other with significant synergies achievable in the short to medium term.”

Declan Hutchinson will remain with the business as managing director of Coolrain Sawmills, along with the existing team.

“The deal is good for both companies and copper-fastens us into the future as a strong, indigenous Irish company with increased export potential,” he said.