Dineen Refractories, based in County Laois eight miles from the Kildare border, provide a prime example of how the Irish market is becoming a force to be reckoned with in the face of competition from some of our European neighbours. Dineen Refractories was formed in 1980 by husband and wife team Michael and Netta Dineen. The company operated initially in the area of refractory products such as firebacks and domestic and industrial bricks to suit any application where heat-resistant bricks are required. Since that time, the company's range of products have expanded into all fire resistant applications. The company now produces a full range of flue liners to European Standard EN1457 and also manufactures a full range of hand-made chimney pots to give that final touch to the chimney construction. Terracotta floor tiles to match the antique look and other clay products are also manufactured. The company is now expanding into Europe where demand for Irish-made products is growing. Manufacturers of building products make a huge contribution to Ireland's export and import balance of payments. What makes this contribution even more impressive is that so much of this success springs from small to medium sized family-based businesses who manage to expand into huge markets, while still retaining their essential characters and not turning into faceless conglomerates. Dineen Refractories currently employ thirty people at their factory in Wolfhill. The Dineen family are working together to show that a small Irish business can compete successfully on a world-class scale.