ECMI is a company with a passion for cigars, founded in 1970. We have an absolute focus on producing cigars to the highest possible quality standards. Customers include wholesalers, distributors and retailers from across the globe

1970 1980 1991 2006 2017

1970

The passion began in the 1970s when a Dutch company opened a plant in a rural part of western Ireland where there had been very little industry.

1970

1980

In the end, the Dutch proved less enterprising than one of Ireland’s own Gerry O’Dowd, who was hired as general Manager.

1980

1991

Just a few years after the profitable Irish operation was launched, its struggling parent company pulled out. “The Irish operation was shut down and all the workers were out of a job”, recounts Aoife O’Dowd, Gerry’s daughter.

Gerry had a great faith in the potential, so bought the business. O’Dowd teamed up with Villiger and began manufacturing “custom made cigar brands”.

1991

2006

The O’Dowd family decided to buy the company, winning the distinction of becoming the only independent cigar manufacturer in Ireland.

2006

2017

ECMI, the O’Dowd family business, was bought by J.Cortès, the Vandermarliere family business.

The same ethos and commitment to service, quality and ultimately passion for cigars runs through both families to the core.

This ensures the future for all clients of ECMI and assures them and all future clients that the service and quality level achieved in the past will continue, with an increased product portfolio.

2017