The Quinn Group which has its headquarters in Derrylin, County Fermanagh was founded 31 years ago as a producer of quarry products. It has now grown to become one of Ireland's most successful companies. The Group has interests in the manufacture of cement and concrete products as well as container glass and general insurance. It is number two in the cement market in Ireland, and the only container glass producer on the island. In addition, the Group has a large property portfolio consisting of 7 hotels, 8 public houses and a fitness club and also runs the fifth largest general insurance business in Ireland, Quinn-direct Insurance Limited. During 2004 the Group acquired Barlo Group plc a leading manufacturer of sheet plastics and radiators.The Quinn Group is expected to generate a turnover in 2004 in excess of €900m and a pre-tax profit of approximately €170m. The Group currently employs over 4,500 employees at a number of locations throughout Ireland, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Germany, France, Spain, Czech Republic and Slovak Republic.