Mullingar-based business, Soltec (Ireland) Ltd, has been chosen as the winner of the annual Westmeath County Enterprise Board Awards and reached the top eight in the national finals. Established in 1994, Soltec is one of the country’s leading providers of hazardous waste management.

The company, founded by Michael Corcoran, provides a hazardous waste collection service throughout Ireland in the form of used solvents, paints and acids.  At its state-of-the-art production facility, these substances are recycled through distillation processes, and sold back to their original user or made into other products including paint thinner and cleaning agents such as degreasers.  

The company has grown from humble beginnings to now being a leader in its field, which provides a vital service to high profile customers such as Swords Laboratory, Élan, Lufthansa, Team Aer Lingus and Shell.

Michael started business as a motor factor, and it was through his involvement in the motor trade that he could see the use and disposal of solvents was becoming a hot topic for the future. With nobody else offering a disposal service in Ireland, he opened a new solvent recycling business named Soltec (Ireland) Ltd. This business was set up in a small industrial unit located in the grounds of the motor factor business. This new service and production capability soon became extremely popular throughout Ireland.  As the business grew and new markets developed, Michael sold his motor factor business to concentrate solely on Soltec. In 2006 significant investment in the business led to an increased capacity, and even the development of export markets in Europe and Africa.

In addition, Michael has developed innovative new products from the waste by- product.  A number of these products have received patents, and now product development is a key part of the entire business.

Corcoran’s overall success has majored in RTE’s recent “Business of the Year” feature.

We congratulate Mr. Corcoran on his achievements, and we salute his innovation and hard work.