Plastics processor Mergon Group of Ireland has opened a manufacturing plant in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico.
Westmeath-based Mergon will employ 150 at the new site, which will focus on production for automotive and industrial markets, officials said in a news release. They added that the establishment of Mergon Mexico "is a strong indicator of future growth for Mergon's North American operations."
Mergon already operates plants in Westmeath, in Anderson, S.C., the Czech Republic and China. The firm supplies parts for brands including BMW, Rivian and Xerox.
Officials said that, over the last decade, Mergon has become a key design and manufacturing partner for lightweight air management systems and clear vision systems to electric vehicle manufacturers in the United States. "These companies are forecasting strong growth over the coming years and Mergon is helping them achieve their vision," officials said.
"We have ambitious plans to grow our North American business, and this is an integral step in achieving that," CEO Pat Beirne said in the release.
In March, Mergon acquired Weltonhurst Ltd., a blow molder serving the health care and packaging industries in Blackburn, England. That deal was the first for Mergon since London-based private equity firm Elysian Capital purchased a stake in the company in 2019. Mergon now employs more than 1,000 worldwide.