According to Harlands managing director Ian Wright, the acquisition will help the company to develop its site in Poland.

"To grow the business in the way we have envisaged means that, with Clondalkin behind us, we can do it more quickly," said Wright. "The acquisition gives Harlands immediate access to deeper investment and human resources than we could ever hope to access on our own."

Harlands was bought by its management team in 2003 and at the time it had a 57-strong workforce and a turnover of 6m. The company has since boosted its turnover to 7.8m and has 68 staff.

Wright added that the company's growth was due to a "strict strategy over market selection and adding value to customers".

"We were attracted by Harlands' success story in the labels sector and the excellent fit opportunity it presents in complementing our existing operations," added Clondalkin specialist packaging division chief executive, John Fitzgerald.

Harlands produces labels in the personal care and alcoholic beverage sectors.

Story by Philip Chadwick