Leading businessman receives honorary degree from Queen¡¯s University Belfast
Leading Irish businessman, Eugene (Gene) Murtagh, Chairman of Kingspan, will receive an honorary degree from Queen¡¯s University Belfast.
The Cavan-based group was founded by Mr Murtagh. It makes and sells insulation boards and panels, along with other building materials, to an international market. The group has made a significant contribution to the Irish economy as one of Ireland¡¯s largest companies, with its headquarters still based in Kingscourt in Co. Cavan.
Under his leadership, Kingspan has grown from a small family business to a global multinational company with five divisions, 140 manufacturing sites employing 14,500 people with activities in 90 countries. Kingspan is a world leader in high performance insulation, improving building standards and construction methods.
Mr Murtagh said: ¡°I am pleased to receive this honour from Queen¡¯s University Belfast. When we started this small business over 50 years ago, making agricultural trailers, we never imagined that it would grow into such a success.
¡°Queen¡¯s University is a powerhouse of innovation and contributes significantly to the economy and local industry in terms of producing skilled, work-ready graduates. I am delighted to be here today to share this honour with all the new graduates starting out on their careers.¡±
Kingspan is also well known as the main sponsor of Ulster Rugby.
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