Martin Naughton
Martin Naughton, the Dundalk-born president of Glen Dimplex, is likely to be knighted by Queen Elizabeth II of England as a reward for his philantrophy, entrepreneurship and work to help bring peace to the North.
That’s according to a report in yesterday’s Sunday Business Post which speculates that the former De La Salle student could join a small group of Irish businessmen, including Michael Smurfit and Tony O’Reilly, to receive a knighthood.
Naughton built up Glen Dimplex from employing ten people in 1973 to one of the world’s major manufacturers of domestic appliances, with operations in Dunleer and Newry.
It is Ireland’s largest privately-owned manufacturing business, employing 10,000 people worldwide in 22 manufacturing facilities, with a turnover in excess of €1.5 billion.
Its brands include Morphy Richards, Dimplex Stoves and Belling.
Naughton now lives in Stackallen, Co Meath and has an estimated fortune of more than €2 billion.
Talk of the Town 