George Whelan, technical director with SmartPly Europe Ltd, died suddenly on May 27 at the young age of 45.
Having obtained his BSc (Industrial Chemistry), Mr Whelan spent the first six years of his career in the pharmaceutical sector where he held positions as R&D chemist and technical manager. He joined the wood processing industry in 1991, spending a total of 13 years as technical manager with Medite Europe Ltd and Masonite before joining SmartPly Europe Ltd in 2004.
Mr Whelan used his deep understanding of panel manufacture and chemistry to great effect and built lasting relationships across the European industry with customers and suppliers.
His career achievements included numerous panel manufacturing, process and product development initiatives in MDF, doorskins and OSB. He contributed technically to many discussions and initiatives as an active participant on committees of the European Panel Federation, Wood Panel Industry Federation and Council for Forest Research & Development (COFORD). He also led the FSC chain of custody certification and IPPC licensing at Masonite Ireland in the late 90s.
In recent years, Mr Whelan headed up technical, environmental and product development at SmartPly, culminating in the Coillte Chairman’s Award for Excellence for development of SmartPly SiteProtect with the NPD team.
George was originally from Wexford and returned to his native county when he joined SmartPly in 2004. An active and successful member in the local community, he was treasurer of the Horeswood GAA, trainer of the under-12s and 14s Camogie Players, a member of the finance committee of the local parish, committee member of the local St Vincent De Paul Society and an avid follower of Irish rugby and Wexford hurling.
He is survived by his wife Elmar and two young daughters.
