Leading Mayo company Portwest celebrates a significant milestone

Portwest, a renowned name in workwear and outdoor wear, proudly commemorates its 120th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in its journey from a humble drapery shop to a global manufacturing powerhouse.

Founded in 1904 by Charles Hughes, Portwest has emerged as a symbol of quality, reliability, and familial dedication over the past century, from its origins as a local drapery shop to becoming a leading manufacturer of protective wear worldwide.

Portwest still operates from their rural base in the west of Ireland and has expanded its reach internationally, with presence in Ireland, UK, Poland, Spain, Italy, Albania, Turkey, UAE, Australia, New Zealand, China, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Tanzania, Canada, Mexico and USA.

With a workforce exceeding 300 in Ireland and over 5,300 worldwide, the company continues to thrive on a global scale.

Portwest has exemplified resilience, adaptability and a commitment to excellence.

What began as a small family business has flourished under the stewardship of the Hughes family, evolving into an internationally recognised brand synonymous with safety and innovation.

Brothers Harry, Cathal and Owen Hughes, the visionary leaders of Portwest, represent the third generation of the Hughes family, each contributing their unique expertise and passion to steer the company towards unprecedented success.

With a combined experience exceeding 120 years, their leadership has been instrumental in driving Portwest's global expansion and industry leadership.

Building on this rich legacy, the fourth generation of the Hughes family has seamlessly integrated into the business, embodying the same entrepreneurial spirit and dedication that has defined Portwest for over a century.

Henry Hughes, the eldest of the fourth generation, made his foray into the family business a decade ago, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Portwest's history.

Since then, Henry's cousins James and Cathal, along with his siblings Orla and Stephanie, have joined forces to carry forward the Hughes legacy and propel Portwest to even greater heights.

Their fresh perspectives, combined with a deep-rooted commitment to quality and innovation, are driving Portwest's continued growth and expansion into new markets.

"Reaching this remarkable milestone of 120 years is a testament to the dedication, hard work and innovative spirit of our global team that have been integral to Portwest's journey," said Cathal Hughes, chairman of Portwest Group.

"As we celebrate our rich heritage and look towards the future, we remain committed to upholding the values that have guided us thus far, while embracing new opportunities for growth and innovation."

Portwest's unwavering commitment to excellence, coupled with its steadfast focus on customer satisfaction and employee welfare, has positioned the company as a trailblazer in the work and outdoor wear industry.

With a legacy spanning four generations, Portwest continues to set the standard for safety, quality and innovation, ensuring the protection and well-being of workers worldwide.

In honour of their 120th anniversary, Portwest are organising a celebration day at their flagship store in Westport on Saturday next, May 18.

All are welcome to join in the festivities, which will feature exciting discounts, opportunities to win prizes, live broadcast by Midwest Radio, charity raffle all day for Westport Autism Friendly Town and plenty of other delightful surprises.

For more information about Portwest and its range of protective and outdoor wear products, please visit https://www.theoutdoorshop.ie and Portwest.com.