Bringing expertise and the latest technology, Kemek delivers global standards to ensure your operation’s potential is unlocked, extracted and delivered, safely and securely.

playWho We Are
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Our Vision

To be the leading provider of blasting expertise, superior services and products, partnering with our customers to fully unlock the potential of their operations.

Our Values

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Safety

Safety is at the core of everything we do

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Integrity

Behave in an honest, accountable and responsible manner

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Customer Focus

Deliver optimised solutions to solve operational challenges

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Teamwork

People are the driving force behind our business

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Excellence

Leading changes for more efficient and dynamic solutions

Our Mission

To provide expert advice, superior services and products to the Quarrying, Mining and Civil Engineering industries.

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Our History

Irish Industrial Explosives Ltd (IIE) founded in 1964 was later joined by Ulster Industrial Explosives Ltd (UIE) founded in 1973. Both companies are part of the EPC Groupe and have been serving the Mining, Quarrying & Civil Engineering Industries on the island of Ireland over this time. Providing customers with global safety standards and the very latest in explosive technology. In 2023, both companies rebranded to adopt a single identity, Kemek.

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1964

Irish Industrial Explosives Limited was founded

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1967

IIE factory opened manufacturing Frangex (Nitro-glycerine based explosive) and Ammogex (Anfo)

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1973

Merger with Imperial Chemical Industries PLC

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1973

Kemek Limited was founded

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1973

Ulster Industrial Explosives Limited (UIE) was founded

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1988

UIE begins manufacturing Energel (Watergel cartridge) product for Northern Ireland market

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1990

IIE begins manufacturing Kemegel (Watergel Cartridge) production for the Irish Market

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1998

Kemex emulsion product introduced, using Mobile Explosive Manufacturing Units (MEMU’s)

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2000

IIE’s Ballygiblin Depot, Co. Cork opens

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2001

Introduction of underground emulsion (Kemex-U) at the Lisheen Mine, Co. Tipperary

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2003

Frangex production ceases at IIE’s Factory

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2007

Introduction of Emugel (cartridge emulsion) production at IIE factory

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2009

UIE’s cartridge plant closes

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2009

IIE’s Kilkelly Depot, Co. Mayo opens

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2014

Emugel production ceases at IIE’s Factory

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2017

Head office is relocated to the IIE factory grounds

Acting Responsibly

A forward focused outlook, continuously advancing to develop better business practices and meaningful impact

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Safety

Safely manufacturing, transporting, delivering and using explosives is our number one priority.

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People

Developing processes, services and opportunities with diversity and inclusion to promote equality for all

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Sustainability

Working to improve sustainability across our operations and supply chains

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Community

Engaging with our communities to support local initiatives

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Continuous Improvement

Investing in operations and education to enhance skill sets, adapt behaviours and evolve processes and practices

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