Two Chamber members, Pakflatt and Wild Atlantic Distillery, are celebrating significant transatlantic breakthroughs, underlining the strength of indigenous entrepreneurship, innovation and global ambition emerging from our region.

Founded in Derry in 1978, Pakflatt have made it their mission to end inaccessibility for all voters at all elections. Their innovative range of products such as the patented McGonagle Reader (MGR), an assistive technology that uses audio and touch navigation to enable voters to cast their ballots independently and in secret, help them contribute to that goal.

After more than two decades trading in America, Pakflatt have entered a new deal with Printelect, is a leading force in the US Election infrastructure, will distribute Pakflatt’s industry-recognised voting booths, ballot boxes and precinct accessories across its established national network, dramatically increasing the reach of Pakflatt’s products throughout the US election market.

The new partnership positions Pakflatt’s accessible voting solutions within one of the world’s largest electoral systems, an enormous achievement for a North West SME operating in a highly specialised sector.

Patrick McGonagle MBE, Managing Director of Pakflatt, said:

 “As we approach our 40th anniversary in the global elections industry on March 6th 2026, we are delighted to announce a new and highly valued alliance with Printelect of North Carolina, one of America’s leading election industry vendors. This exciting development represents a further expansion of our presence in North America.”

 Brian McGonagle, Pakflatt Director of Operations added:

“This collaboration expands our footprint in a key market and positions the company for continued international growth. This milestone is a testament to the strength of our team and the leadership of our Managing Director, Patrick McGonagle MBE, whose vision has shaped a sustainable and outwardlooking business.

 “We look forward to the opportunities this partnership will create and to continuing to showcase Northern Ireland’s capability in global markets.”

You can read more here: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/pakflatt_printelect-is-proud-to-announce-a-new-distribution-activity-7433220949568552961-lP7z?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAACioI2QBYC0zjD9N_bruzx4Cedx8vDn1ofA

 Meanwhile, Strabane-based Wild Atlantic Distillery has achieved two major milestones for its IslandMen Blended Irish Whiskey, securing a prestigious listing with the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO), the second largest buyer of spirits in the world, and winning Bronze at the World Irish Whiskey Awards.

The LCBO listing represents a landmark export success for the independent distillery, opening access to the vast Canadian market and significantly strengthening its North American footprint.

Brian Ash & Jim Nash, Wild Atlantic Distillery

Founded in 2019 by brothers-in-law Jim Nash and Brian Ash, Wild Atlantic Distillery was established to help revive the North West’s proud tradition of small-scale distilling. Located just south of Strabane on the border, the company initially produced gin and vodka before releasing its first exclusive IslandMen whiskey in December 2024, with a public launch following in March 2025.

Wild Atlantic Distillery founders, Jim Nash and Brian Ash, said:

 “To receive international recognition for our first Single Malt at the World Irish Whiskey Awards, the first in over 100 years made in the Derry and Strabane Council District, is an incredible achievement for an independent distillery. It validates the craftsmanship, patience, and belief that goes into every cask we lay down.

 “At the same time, being chosen by the LCBO, an organisation known globally for supporting authentic craft producers and bricks & mortar distilleries, is a powerful endorsement of the quality and integrity behind IslandMen.

 “For a young, independent, traditional craft Irish distillery, these moments matter… We currently export our Whiskey, Gin and Vodka to the US and Germany, and can now add Canada to our growing exports. Later this year through the help of the Go Global InvestNI programme our products will be in France, with more to follow.

 “Thank you to everyone who has supported the journey so far. We’re only getting started.”

This latest achievement not only reinforces the quality of the Wild Atlantic Distillery brand but highlights the ability of North West producers to compete, and win, on the global stage.

Together, these two announcements send a powerful message about the North West economy.

Whether it is craft distilling rooted in heritage and tradition or advanced manufacturing supporting democratic infrastructure, both businesses demonstrate the scale of ambition that exists within the Chamber membership.

These achievements reinforce the North West’s reputation as a region of indigenous entrepreneurial excellence, innovation and outward-looking ambition – qualities that continue to define Derry Chamber’s diverse and dynamic membership, putting the North West on the international map.