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Listen "Episode 199: When Tradition Meets Innovation: The Story of Merenda’s Global Journey"
Episode Synopsis
Ronan Haslette grew up sweeping floors in his family’s Leitrim factory. Today, he’s leading Merenda, Ireland’s only flexible wood veneer manufacturer, working with architects, designers and furniture makers across the world.
On this episode of AIBF Business Talk, Ronan opens up about:
The reality of stepping into a second-generation family business
How Merenda balances tradition with innovation and design trends
Winning — and sometimes walking away from — export markets
Why explaining the “why” keeps teams motivated through change
How veneer helps save timber resources (32x less used than solid wood)
It’s the inside track on resilience, leadership, and building a business that lasts.
🎧 Tune in now on Spotify & Apple Podcasts — just search AIBF Business Talk. Click Here
On this episode of AIBF Business Talk, Ronan opens up about:
The reality of stepping into a second-generation family business
How Merenda balances tradition with innovation and design trends
Winning — and sometimes walking away from — export markets
Why explaining the “why” keeps teams motivated through change
How veneer helps save timber resources (32x less used than solid wood)
It’s the inside track on resilience, leadership, and building a business that lasts.
🎧 Tune in now on Spotify & Apple Podcasts — just search AIBF Business Talk. Click Here
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