Heyco-Werk-Ireland Ltd. marks 50th anniversary in Ballina with River Moy Swim sponsorship in town’s 300th year

While Ballina celebrates 300 years this year, 2023 also marks half a century of Heyco-Werk Ireland Ltd providing employment in town.

Since 1973, when it was set up as Shamrock Forge and Tool, Heyco-Werk-Ireland Ltd. has manufactured quality hand tools under “Heyco” and other brand names, expanding into injection moulding and specialist manufacturing. Today, the company employs 33 peop le, and is celebrating 50 years by supporting the iconic River Moy Swim, which takes place on Saturday, July 8 as part of Ballina Salmon Festival, and Ballina 2023’s weekend of River Moy celebrations.

Director Simon Haban of Heyco-Werk Ireland Ltd said: “The Heyco Group is headquartered in Remscheid, Germany, and was founded in 1937 by brothers Max and Ernst Heynen where they produced hand tools in the cellar of their home. The company now boasts a workforce of over 1,100 across Germany, Czech Republic, US, and the Ballina facility was the Group’s first company outside Germany. In that time the Heyco Group’s product portfolio has broadly diversified, and production includes hand tools, forged parts with machining, technical plastic parts and IML In-Mold-Labelling.”

Mr Haban continued: “Celebrating 50 years here in Ballina is a real milestone for us and we are excited about our next phase. While we currently export 100% of our products, the plan for the near future is to establish ourselves in Ireland with our products and also in contract manufacturing and to expand our range of injection moulded parts. We’re delighted to have the opportunity to sponsor the River Moy Swim, an event so unique to Ballina to mark our special anniversary.”

The River Moy Swim also boasts a proud tradition in Ballina. First established back in 1953 where the Bishop’s Cup was awarded. the race was revived in 2018 to much delight, under the stewardship of Swim Ireland. The Bishop’s Cup will be presented to this year’s winner.

Race Director Mary Dunne of Swim Ireland stated: “The River Moy Swim is one of Ireland’s oldest open water swims in Ireland, and we are so delighted that the support of Swim Ireland has enabled us to revive this fine tradition in our town. It’s a great event for both beginners and advanced swimmers with a choice of a participative 600m or competitive 2.5km distance, and we are exceptionally proud that the race has, since its revival, enabled us to support a number of our local charities.”

“For 2023, we’re hoping to attract 300 participants and make it our most successful yet. This partnership and support from Heyco-Werk Ltd is very welcome and will ensure that we can continue that special tradition, making the River Moy Swim one of the highlights of the Ballina Salmon Festival programme.”

The River Moy Swim is now open for registrations at www.rivermoyswim.ie for those aged 16 and over. Tow floats are recommended and the swim is open to both wetsuit and non-wetsuit participants. Participants will receive a special hat and commemorative medal and will boast the distinction of becoming one of Ballina’s swimming greats.

Visit www.ballina2023.ie and www.ballinasalmonfestival.ie for a full programme of upcoming events.