What happens when a local business makes it big?

On the edge of Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim, timber products manufactured in a small market town are finding their way into projects across Europe, the US and New Zealand.

For Merenda, a family-run business whose roots stretch back almost five generations, international growth has transformed the scale of the company.

Today, it exports around 70% of its products outside of Ireland. But despite its global customer base, the business remains firmly rooted in the town where it began.

“Everything starts here”, says CEO Ronan Haslette, “Our people are here, our expertise are here, and our future is here.”

In recent years, Merenda has invested in expanding its international reach, with the help of a number of Enterprise Ireland supports including the Strategic Market Review.

The company now specialises in bespoke timber surfaces and architectural products supplied to customers across multiple international markets.

Merenda’s story reflects a broader trend in Irish enterprise, where indigenous businesses across the country are pursuing growth opportunities overseas while continuing to invest in the communities they were founded.

Last year, Enterprise Ireland-supported companies employed over 232,000 people and generated over €38bn in export sales. While these figures demonstrate the scale of their success, the impact is often most visible at a local level.

In a town the size of Manorhamilton, a growing business like Merenda contributes much more than employment numbers. Many employees are deeply connected to the area through sport, farming and community organisations.

One employee serves as second-in-command of the local fire brigade and can leave work immediately whenever an emergency call comes in. Others coach local sports teams or volunteer with community groups.

These connections are part of what makes home-grown business different. Their success often creates a ripple effect locally, supporting families, strengthening local economies and helping communities thrive.

Merenda is a great example of a business that fully understands that supporting a community isn’t just about creating jobs, but proudly helping people build their lives and careers close to home.

That pride is a central part of what drives both business and community forward. Businesses benefit from a skilled workforce, local knowledge and strong community ties.

Communities benefit from stable employment, career opportunities and investment that helps keep economic activity within the region.

For Ronan, maintaining that connection has always been important.

“As we’ve grown internationally, we’ve never lost sight of where we’re from,” he says. ”The business has been part of this community for generations. That’s something we’re very proud of.”

And this trend is increasingly evident across Ireland. In 2025, 69% of jobs created in Enterprise Ireland-supported companies were outside Dublin. Those jobs brought in over €13.5 billion in wages, wages that are spent across the local community.

From manufacturing and engineering to fintech and life sciences, Irish companies are winning business around the world while remaining deeply rooted in their communities.

Discover more stories of Enterprise Ireland-supported businesses growing internationally and creating opportunities at home at growinghome.ie.

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