Coatek acquires Plastic Craft and plans 20 new jobs after Wicklow expansion

Arklow-based window films and signage company Coatek has completed the acquisition of Newtownmountkennedy firm Plastic Craft Ltd, retaining its entire workforce and integrating its staff, equipment, and specialist capabilities into its Arklow operations, with plans to hire up to 20 additional staff as the combined business grows.

The Irish Independent reported that the acquisition brings Coatek's total local workforce to 20, with further recruitment planned as the company scales its in-house production capabilities following the deal, which was completed just before Christmas 2025.

The two companies had an established commercial relationship prior to the acquisition, with Coatek regularly outsourcing specialist signage elements to Plastic Craft. When Plastic Craft's owner signalled plans to retire, he approached Coatek directly about taking over the business, leading to a swift negotiation and agreement.

Hugh Kenny, founder and managing director of Coatek, said the existing relationship made the case for acquisition clear. He said: "A lot of our work is done in-house, but there's a lot of signage and specialist signage that we were outsourcing to Plastic Craft, who do a lot of really high-end work. We would buy products from them and make a couple of adjustments before bringing them to a site to fit."

Kenny said the retention of Plastic Craft's staff was central to the rationale for the deal. He said: "The key thing was that we needed to bring Plastic Craft's staff, as I needed their expertise, and all their equipment down from Newtownmountkennedy, which, ironically, was where we were previously based."

Coatek relocated to a 6,000 sq ft unit at the former commercial test centre in Arklow approximately 18 months ago, consolidating operations previously spread across a factory in Newtownmountkennedy and an office in Gorey. Kenny said the scale of the new premises was a deliberate strategic decision. He said: "When we took the unit in Arklow, it was too big for what we needed, but I knew where we were was too small, but I hoped we'd grow into it. Thankfully, that's come around a little quicker than I thought, and we have plenty of room to take all the equipment and all the staff in."

Read the full details of Coatek's acquisition and expansion plans.