One of Ireland’s leading shippers of forest products, Jenkins Shipping Co Ltd, has been sold for an undisclosed sum.
The Northern Ireland-based company, which handles 100,000m3 of timber annually, was acquired in a private investor sale. Rostrevor businessman Paul O’Hare has purchased a 70% shareholding and Eddie Irvine has bought the remaining 30%.
Mr O’Hare said the company was strategically located at Belfast and Warrenpoint to develop trade to and from the north and south of Ireland.
Danny Robertson, a Jenkins director, said: “The new owners are looking to develop what we have. We will become more aggressive in attracting business and more competitive.”
He said the company was expected to increase timber shipments this year to 180,000m3 as a result of securing business from UPM-Kymmene‘s sawmilling operation plus new Baltic cargos. Existing customers include Brooks Group Ltd and Haldane Fisher.
Jenkins’ principal operation is at Belfast where it has a 110,000ft2 warehouse for paper and timber. It also has storage facilities at Warrenpoint.
In addition to its shipping services, Jenkins offers stevedoring, warehousing and transport operations.
