Chairperson
Social Partner
Business Representative

Development and Quality Manager
Franklins International Ltd

With over 35 years experience of working in the industrial sector in quality, technical and management roles, John was proposed by the Rotary Club of Banbridge to serve as a social partner representing the business sector. He hopes that The Bridge Partnership will develop a good reputation for competence and fairness as it carries out its duties on behalf of the District.

John’s career track shows the level of commitment he has put into his profession and his personal development. After completing a Higher National Certificate in Chemistry in Coleraine in 1969, he continued his professional studies at Belfast's College of Technology where he successfully completed all entrance examinations for corporate membership of the Textile Institute, specialising in yarn technology.

He made time in the early eighties to achieve management qualifications from the Open University and to develop a good working knowledge of both French and German. In recent years John has been keen to ensure his IT skills have kept up with modern industry and he is the webmaster for Banbridge Rotary Club’s website. He is also a Member of the Chartered Management Institute and a Fellow of the Textile Institute and the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining.

John is a member of the senior management team at Franklins International Ltd, Banbridge incorporating Fergusons Irish Linen and Brownlow Textiles Ltd. He joined Franklin & Sons Ltd in 1985 as Works Manager having previously been General Manager of WJ Knox in Annahilt. Prior to this he held the position of Production Manager with the Belfast Ropes Company. He has held the position of Technical Manager with both of these companies. He has served on technical committees for the Cordage Association and British Standards Institution during his time with the Belfast Ropes Company and WJ Knox. In the last few years he has been acting as Project Leader in two applied research projects in linen production involving university and industrial partners across Europe.

Married to Jenny with two grown-up daughters, three granddaughters and a baby grandson, John spends a lot of time with his family, working on his personal computer, playing the flute or listening to classical music.

He enjoys his involvement with the Banbridge Rotary Club and is currently the District Secretary of Rotary in Ireland. He also admits to enjoying a good meal and a glass of nice wine.