George's Dubbin and diversification
Around the turn of the century, another family member, George Punch, was showing signs of entrepreneurship. Inspired by a favourite pair of boots, he believed an opportunity existed for a leather care product. He began by producing boot polish and dubbin locally and soon found a wider market. Over a period of time this business grew to incorporate Fastnet Oils, furniture polishes, floor cleaners and other products such as toecaps.
From an Old Mill to a New Factory
In 1922 the Punch family purchased a disused mill in the village of Glanmire, just outside Cork City. All five floors were used in the manufacturing process. This facility also included the production of the metal tin packaging used for various products. Production continued at this factory until 1964 when a fire caused major damage. A purpose built shoe care factory was then built close to the original site and opened in 1965. Two years later Glanmire Industries Ltd was formed to control and develop the Shoe Care and Household products business.
Glanmire Industries Ltd moved to its state of the art 50,000sq.ft plant in Little Island in 1985. In this building we now develop and produce all Shoe Care, Fabric Care and Home Care products.
New Beginnings
In July 2002, following a strategic review, a number of independent operating companies under the Punch group were brought together to form a single entity called Punch Industries. Together they are responsible for the manufacturing, distribution, selling and marketing of the firm's product and brand portfolio. These were Glanmire Industries Ltd, Punch Sales (Irl) Ltd, Punch Sales (UK) Ltd and Kinsale Candles ( Edward Ryan & Co). The name change for the fifth company, William Paton Ltd in Scotland, came into effect in early 2003.
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