Kenny O’ Brien is currently Centre Manager at Applied Polymer Technologies (APT) based in TUS (since September 2024) and former General Manager at Athlone Extrusions Ltd. who are part of the Swiss Schweiter Technologies Group. Kenny started his career in 1990 having completed a degree in Polymer Technology from Athlone IT, now a Technical University. Kenny has worked in the Polymer Industry in Ireland for 36 years in Injection Moulding, Blown Film, Electronics and Sheet Extrusion and has extensive experience in Manufacturing and Strategic Management having worked for Japanese, American, British, Irish and Swiss companies including Motorola.

He also completed a master’s degree from Trinity College in 2009 in International Business. He is currently a steering Committee member of First Polymer SkillNet and regularly contributes to education as a part time Lecturer (HR and Management/ Leadership) and Upskilling at the Technical University of Shannon: Midlands and Midwest. Former roles include IBEC National Committee member, Chairman Plastics Ireland, Enterprise Ireland Manufacturing Group Committee Member, Company Director.

Kenny has unique experience in General Management, Operational Management and Plant Management combined with multinational company working experience, sale of Athlone Extrusions in 2017 and post-sale integration experience to August 2024 and is now leveraging his experience within TUS, APT and PRISM to further develop TUS Industry collaboration and Applied Polymer Technologies.