MIVAN WELCOME TOPGLASS TO THE TEAM

Mivan has welcomed the announcement by owners, the McConville family, that they have acquired specialist architectural glass company Topglass, based in Toomebridge, Co. Antrim.

The multi-million-pound deal will see Topglass join Mivan and MJM Group under McConville family ownership. The McConville family is headed up by Rathfriland based entrepreneur Brian McConville, with his daughter Naoimh and son Conleth who joined him in the business more than five years ago. The family also have an extensive portfolio of retail, commercial, aviation and residential developments across Northern Ireland.

Topglass which employs approximately 30 full time employees is a market-leader in developing and delivering architectural and specialist glass solutions to commercial and domestic customers throughout the UK and Europe.

Topglass began life as a part-time business in 1984 by founder and owner James O’Kane, a qualified Technology and Design teacher. James identified a business opportunity in providing specialist glass solutions in the construction industry and established Topglass as a full-time business in 1992. Topglass is now regarded as one of Ireland’s leading architectural/structural/ decorative glass companies with 15% growth in the financial year 16-17 and projected growth of 30% in financial year 17-18. The business has a full order book, with long-term, loyal customers in the UK, Ireland and Europe including major retailers, hotel chains, airports, schools and hospitals.

James O Kane, Topglass said, “Topglass started as a hobby for me due to my love of high end glass design and it has continued to grow year on year from there. We have spent the last number of years building Topglass into a first-class business and I now wish to take time to pursue my other business interests. I want to thank the fantastic team in Topglass for their work, their loyalty and indeed their support during this difficult decision-making process.

“My family and I have, worked hard to ensure we found the perfect partner with the skills, synergies, expertise and ambition to continue to grow Topglass and keep it at the forefront of the architectural and specialist glass markets. I am delighted that the McConville family are taking over the business and I have every faith in their ability to deliver.”

James O Kane continued, “We have had a long-standing relationship as a supplier to MJM Group and Mivan and in both these businesses we see echoes of our own culture, work ethic and drive for the highest standards of quality and customer service. I know Brian and his family will offer Topglass customers, suppliers and staff new opportunities and new ideas as well as building on and retaining the family ethos we have worked so hard to maintain over the past 26 years. I wish them every success with the next stage of Topglass growth and expansion.”

Brian McConville, MJM Group said, “We are delighted to take this opportunity for Topglass to join the McConville family group. We have an existing relationship with Topglass which goes back many years. There are real synergies between Topglass and the other businesses in the group and we know that we can bring long term sustainable growth to the business for many years to come.

“There is a great team in place and we look forward to getting to work with Topglass employees, customers, suppliers and stakeholders in the days and weeks ahead.”

The McConville family will take control of Topglass from 31st May 2018. James O’Kane will remain as a part-time consultant to the business for a period to support the transition. Topglass will continue to trade under its own identity and will continue to be based in Toomebridge. The same key team will remain, with plans for further employment and expansion in the near future.