A borough firm has strengthened its presence in Ireland after making a key appointment.

Cable and pipe seal manufacturer Roxtec, based on Mason Street in Bury, has recruited Ian Gunn as technical sales manager, energy and industry.

In this new role he will spearhead the firm's "ambitious growth strategy" in Ireland, which is seeing it make "major inroads" in sectors ranging from renewable energy to pharma.

The business is also working on the development of a number of "large-scale data centres" created in Ireland.

READ NEXT > 'It is all I have ever known': Bury hospital worker shares experiences of being deaf

Ian, based in County Meath, has a background in mechanical engineering and a wealth of experience gained by working in a wide range of industries, including running his own consultancy business.

Ian, who was educated at Blackrock College in Dublin, said: “I was attracted to the position by Roxtec’s ambition, the enormous opportunities that exist for the business in Ireland and the scope it has to grow its presence here.

“The network of contacts that I have built up in various different sectors over the years, including renewable energy, pharma and heavy industry, also very much mirrors the areas that Roxtec works in.

“I’m also looking forward to developing even more relationships. These are exciting times for Roxtec and it is a great opportunity to work for a global leader with a massive reputation for engineering excellence and innovation.”

READ NEXT > New 'red route' parking ban set for Bury main road

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox by signing up to the Bury Times morning newsletter as well as our breaking news alerts

The business is active in wind, solar and nuclear power and is working with several leading technology providers in the green hydrogen sector, providing its unique solutions for cable and pipe sealing.

Roxtec UK managing director Clive Sharp said: “We see major scope for growth in Ireland across a range of energy and industry sectors and Ian, with his wide experience and impressive list of contacts, will play a big role in that journey.

“We’re delighted to welcome him as a member of our team and look forward to seeing his growing contribution to our business development in Ireland.”

Roxtec’s cable and pipe seals are found in a range of process industries, including mining and metals, the onshore oil, gas and petrochemical sectors as well as pulp and paper plants.

They are used to protect people and assets from multiple hazards including fire, flooding, the risk of explosion and electromagnetic disturbances. Key benefits include durability, reliability and flexibility.

Roxtec entered the marketplace in 1990 and is now active in more than 80 markets worldwide. The Swedish headquartered company has a turnover of more than £197m.