Renley is closing

The Renley Engineering operation in Kilcullen is to close after 38 years, according to recently published reports. It currently employs five people.

Renley was set up by the late Gay Warren, who left his engineering job in Unidare Ltd in Finglas in 1970 to set up his own business.

With the help of Kilcullen Development Association, who supplied the building behind what is now the King Koil factory, Gay set up Renley Engineering with a start-up local workforce of 10 men. This was great news for Kilcullen, as at that time Renley was the one of the first industries in the town to employ men.

Renley Engineering Works manufactured lamp standards, transformer boxes, switch gear and other electrical items to supply under contract to the ESB. At one stage, Renley employed over 60 people.

Renley's main operations base has been for many years in Walkinstown, Dublin. During the 90s the company tried to close the Kilcullen operation on the basis that there wasn't space for expansion. This caused local business interests to persuade Kildare County Council to buy land at Knockbounce for a new Business Park, which recently opened. Ironically, Renley decided subsequently not to move into the park.

Brian Byrne.