Munster Express Online

At the presentation of the Supplier Excellence Award to Kel-Tech Engineering were l-r Michael Garland, Waterford Chamber, Ray Breen, Kel-Tech Engineering, Deputy Mayor Cllr. Pat Hayes and Declan Walsh, Kel-Tech Engineering.

Waterford manufacturing firm Kel-Tech Engineering was recently honoured with a Supplier Quality Excellence Award by Caterpillar Inc.

Based in the IDA Industrial Estate the company was founded by Waterford native Ray Breen in 1988 and today is regarded as one of Ireland’s leading manufacturing companies.

A large gathering of Waterford business leaders and local representatives heard the Deputy Mayor of Waterford, Cllr. Pat Hayes congratulate Kel-Tech Engineering on its recent achievement and added that it is reassuring to hear about Waterford companies accomplishing so much and heartening to see “the chink of light at the end of the economic tunnel is getting wider and wider.”

Chief Executive of Waterford Chamber of Commerce, Michael Garland added “We have seen some good news stories and unfortunately some bad news stories in Waterford recently, but the success of Kel-Tech Engineering is down to the hard work of Ray and his team. Waterford is going in the right direction and with everyone working together we will, in the future, be hearing about more companies enjoying the same success as Kel-Tech.”

In the last 20 years Kel-Tech Engineering has grown steadily, however not dissimilar to any industry or service, 2009 saw a tough operating climate and Kel-Tech, like most companies, had to adjust accordingly. However, the last few months have seen the company increase its database of clients and this growth and progress have been recognised by Caterpillar in awarding Kel-Tech with the Supplier Quality Excellence Process Certification – only the second recipient of this award in Ireland.

For full story see our print edition.