Cork company that lost premises to major blaze signs long-term lease as part of €20m development

A Cork firm which last year lost its premises to a major blaze has signed a long-term lease as part of a €20m development.

Last November, the Blackpool premises of commercial laundry CWS Workwear was gutted by a major fire.

The company had been operating in Cork since 2004 and employed 70 people directly.

At the time it said that its operations were currently suspended, but added: 

“Our priority is to support our team in Ireland and to maintain service for our local customers”.

This week the company announced it had taken a long-term lease in Blarney Business Park, at a premises which is being developed by JCD Group.

The new facility will involve an investment of €20m between the construction of the building and installation of new equipment.

According to a spokesperson for CWS, the company will invest €10m, while the developer will invest a matching amount.

The company said it intends for construction work to be complete in the first quarter of next year, with the plant operational by summer.

The spokesperson said that once its new premises is open, the company intends to employ 75 people.

Founded in 1899, CWS Workwear has operations spanning 15 countries, with a staff of more than 5,300.

Anita Coote, MD of CWS Workwear Ireland, said the company’s investment of €10m demonstrated its commitment to its customers in the Cork area.

“The new laundry is set to meet the latest standards and requirements in terms of automation, efficiency, and sustainability,” she said.