Business

Co Antrim plastics manufacturer Brett Martin to open first factory in the United States

Mallusk firm say decision to invest in new Wisconsin site pre-dated Trump’s new tariff regime

Brett Martin group directors Paul Martin (left), and William Martin (right) mark the announcement of the new factory in the US. They are holding an example of the kind of product that will be manufactured at the new site in De-Pere, Wisconsin, USA.
Brett Martin group directors Paul Martin (left), and William Martin (right) mark the announcement of the new factory in the US. They are holding an example of the kind of product that will be manufactured at the new site in De-Pere, Wisconsin, USA. (DARREN KIDD)
By Ryan McAleer

Co Antrim construction material manufacturer, Brett Martin is to launch its first factory in the United States.

The Mallusk-headquartered plastic sheet producer is in advanced preparations for its first international manufacturing base as part of a joint venture with US distribution customer, Amerilux International.

The 48,000 sq ft facility has been developed on a greenfield site in De-Pere, Wisconsin.

The factory, which will trade as APC (American Polycarbonate Company), will make multiwall and corrugated polycarbonate roofing sheets when it commences production later this year.

Brett Martin currently generates around £220 million in annual sales.

Brett Martin's new Wisconsin manufacturing joint venture will trade as APC (American Polycarbonate Company).
Brett Martin's new Wisconsin manufacturing joint venture will trade as APC (American Polycarbonate Company).

The company said more than 50% of its sales come from businesses in 70 countries around the world.

Brett Martin said its plan to expand into the US market pre-dates the new tariffs imposed on UK to US exporters by Donald Trump’s administration.

A baseline 10% tariff has been imposed on UK exports to the US since April 5 2025.

While the new manufacturing operation will help Brett Martin avoid such tariffs, group director, Paul Martin, said the company’s decision to set up shop in the US pre-dates Trump’s new tariff regime.

“We have been exporting successfully to the USA for more than 25 years,” he said.

“Together with our partner Amerilux, we identified an opportunity to add a US manufacturing presence that will enhance our service to the market and open up new opportunities that build on the success of our Mallusk operations.

“Our decision was taken well before recent US tariffs were introduced. While tariffs are relevant for any exporter, our motivation was above all driven by long-term market growth potential, the strength of our partnership with Amerilux, and the opportunities we see for Brett Martin products in North America.

“As an international business, we must remain forward-looking and agile. This investment is about growth, complementing our strong base in Mallusk, and ensuring Brett Martin remains competitive in a rapidly changing global market,” he added.

The Brett Martin group, which also operates a number of manufacturing and sales hubs in Britain, had just over 1,000 people on its books in 2023.