Ziya Gokcek, UMDE; John McKeon, MD, Kells Stainless; Julie Sinnamon, executive director, Enterprise Ireland; Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Eamon Gilmore, TD; and His Excellency Kenneth Thompson, Irish Ambassador to Turkey
Meath-based Kells Stainless Limited and Turkish engineering company UMDE have signed a strategic alliance agreement covering the development of a biomass system to convert biodegradable waste into high-grade fertiliser and nutrients for power generation.
The signing of the agreement has taken place during an Enterprise Ireland trade mission of 25 companies to Turkey, led by the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Eamon Gilmore, TD.
A pilot plant that will bring together technology developed by UMDE and Kells Stainless is now at the advanced planning stage. The plant will showcase the system and commercial benefits to the dairy, agricultural, and biodegradable waste sectors, initially in Turkey and Ireland.
All going well, the companies plan to increase employment as the project develops and gains momentum.
Gilmore said this agreement confirms the significance of opportunities for Irish companies in the growing and thriving market that is Turkey.
“This agreement allows Kells to increase its reach into a fast-growing region with an excellent local partner, and is good for the growth of jobs both in Ireland and Turkey,” he said.
Kells Stainless managing director John McKeon said the agreement is a great combination of both companies’ talents and expertise.
“(It) will have great benefits to both our countries,” McKeon said.
