News & Events

National Pen celebrate 30 years in Dundalk

Company now employ 1,000 with further growth forecast 

Today announcing a further expansion of 250 roles over the next 5 years 

National Pen, a leading global provider of personalised marketing merchandise, is celebrating its 30th anniversary in Dundalk. 

The expansion, creating 250 jobs, is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland. 

The company established its’ International Headquarters in Dundalk in 1987, comprising a manufacturing plant which personalises promotional products, and a contact centre which supports corporate functions including Finance, HR, Recruitment, IT, E-commerce and other support functions. 

Beginning with a limited workforce in Dundalk, the company celebrates its 30th anniversary year having reached the milestone of over 1,000 employees between fulltime and temporary staff. 

National Pen Promotional Products markets and sells its products in 24 countries globally. The company provides an end-to-end personalized service for its customers by meeting their promotional product needs. The Dundalk operation alone sold more than 130 million personalised promotional products into its markets in 2016. 

National Pen’s CEO Peter Kelly said: “It is with great pride that we celebrate our 30 years anniversary in Dundalk. Over the past 10 years the company has grown significantly to now over 1000 employees. It is truly down to the entire team across National Pen that we have developed and cultivated our success. We manifest a culture of opportunity, hard work, autonomy and respect.   A year ago in December 2016 National Pen joined the Cimpress family which extends our opportunities for further investment. It continues to be an exciting time for all involved.” 

Minister for Business, Enterprise & Innovation, Heather Humphries TD congratulated the company on its recent growth and its 30th anniversary, saying: “This is a huge milestone for National Pen, 30 years in Dundalk. You have constantly evolved as a business to suit your clients’ needs and in doing so secured your own survival. I welcome the additional 250 jobs which will provide a further boost to the local economy. Your ongoing innovation will ensure your continued growth in the years ahead.” 

“Dundalk has proven a great location that has allowed us to grow to the extent we have. Next year we will be taking a second premises in Dundalk to accommodate our growth over the coming years” Peter Kelly said. 

IDA Ireland’s CEO Martin Shanahan said: “Supporting established companies to develop and grow, adding jobs, is a key focus for us. National Pen is a great example, having instigated new strategic initiatives to significantly grow the business and ensure the Irish operation’s future success. The longevity of this company - 30 years in operation now in Dundalk - points to a substantial contribution to the local and wider regional economy. I congratulate them on their anniversary and wish them continued success.” 

To learn about Dundalk-based opportunities with National Pen email ir_recruitment@pens.com or go to the link on vacancies on their website penseurope.com

Acknowledging the valued contribution made by staff to the company’s success, a party is being held on Friday, December 15th to celebrate their three decades of successful operations in Dundalk. 

About the company 

Founded in 1966, National Pen Corporation is headquartered in San Diego, California with operations in Tennessee, Mexico and France, employing over 2,500 people globally. 

It is a leading provider of personalised marketing merchandise to more than one million small and medium sized business globally. The company provides high value promotional products for businesses and professionals in every industry. Its range of over 5,000 products include pens, key chains, note pads, magnets, calendars, mugs, tote bags and more. 

In December 2016 National Pen Corporation was acquired by Cimpress N.V., a leader in mass customisation. Cimpress employs 10,000 people across 30 countries globally and offers a portfolio of more than 20 successful brands including Vistaprint, National Pen, Albelli, Drukwerkdeal, Pixaprinting, Exprint and WIRmachenDruck. The portfolio serves multiple customer segments, producing more than 46 million unique ordered items annually. 

National Pen Corporation operates as an independent business unit as part of Cimpress’ decentralised structure. 

National Pen opened its International HQ in Dundalk, Co. Louth in 1987 and has two core operations there, its manufacturing facility and a support centre which employs 1,000 people between full and temporary roles. 

Contact:

Ellen Lynch

IDA Regional Communications, Press & PR Executive

087 4112084 ellen.lynch@ida.ie