Martin Naughton (businessman) facts for kids

Martin Naughton, born on May 2, 1939, is an Irish-British businessman and engineer. He is well-known for starting a very successful company called GlenDimplex. This company makes many electrical items we use every day, like heaters and kitchen appliances.

Early Life and Education

Martin Naughton went to De La Salle College Dundalk when he was younger. He still helps the school by funding a special scholarship each year. This scholarship helps students go to college. He also gives money to other universities, like Trinity College Dublin and the University of Notre Dame.

Building a Business

In August 1973, Martin Naughton started his first company, Glen Electric. It began as a small factory in Newry, County Down, Northern Ireland, with only ten employees.

Four years later, in 1977, Glen Electric bought Dimplex. Dimplex was a top brand for electric heating in the UK. This big purchase created the GlenDimplex Group.

Growing the Company

The company kept growing by buying other businesses. In 1985, they bought Morphy Richards, which made popular small kitchen appliances. They also bought Blanella, a company making electric blankets, and Burco Dean Appliances, which made products for restaurants.

During the 1990s, GlenDimplex became even bigger. They bought more companies across Europe and other parts of the world. Martin Naughton, being an engineer, helped his company become the largest maker of home heating appliances in the world.

Today, GlenDimplex has factories in the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom, and North America. The company employs more than 8,000 people. It has 22 manufacturing sites and sells about $1.6 billion worth of products each year.

Helping During Conflict

Martin Naughton also played an important role during the Northern Ireland conflict. He helped to arrange trade between different areas. He also supported businesses during this difficult time.

Awards and Recognition

Martin Naughton has received many honors for his work and generosity.

• In 1995, Trinity College Dublin gave him an honorary doctorate. This is a special degree given to people who have achieved great things.
• In 2016, he received the French Légion d'Honneur. This is one of France's highest awards.
• In 2017, Dublin City University also gave him an honorary doctorate.
• In May 2018, the Business for Peace Foundation gave him a Business for Peace Award. This award recognized his efforts to show how businesses can help create peace and protect the environment.
• In November 2018, he won the Outstanding Contribution to Business Award at the Irish Post Awards.

Family Life

Martin Naughton is married to Carmel Naughton, and they have three children. They live in County Meath, Ireland, at a place called Stackallan House.

In 2016, his son, Fergal Naughton, became the CEO of GlenDimplex. This means Fergal now leads the company his father started.

Also in 2016, Martin and his wife Carmel were named philanthropists of the year. This award was given by the Community Foundation for Ireland. A philanthropist is someone who gives a lot of money and time to help others.