Irish Trucker & Light Commercials magazine Feb/March 2012

Dooley trailers can be seen far and wide

An immaculate engineering job

Fifty years of engineering excellence Operating out of Ballycallan, County Kilkenny, Dooley Brothers Engineering Works Ltd. has provided an unrivalled trailer manufacturing service since its formation in 1962. As the company celebrates its 50th anniversary, Irish Trucker caught up with MD Joe Dooley to get an insight into the excellent range of products and services on offer. It didn’t take long to realise that these guys deserve their reputation as the best in the business!

D

ooley Bros has been established as a trailer manufacturer since 1962, producing a wide range of trailers at its purpose-built engineering facility at Clonard, Ballycallan near Kilkenny city.

These include agricultural tractor trailers; car, van and 4x4 trailers; rigid truck trailers; and articulated lowloader trailers. As well as manufacturing, Dooley Bros also provides servicing and parts, catering for the agricultural,

42

construction, services and utilities sectors amongst others.

A family business since its inception, Dooley Bros has developed a range of standard models but each of these can be tailored to suit customers’ exact specifications. Or they can build a completely bespoke model utilising tried and trusted components and assemblies.

AutoCad and 3D drawing technologies are deployed by highly-

skilled and –experienced technicians / engineers using a combination of the latest CNC and conventional machinery to craft trailers to precise requirements.

Since re-entering the truck body building business, Dooley Brothers Engineering Works Ltd. has supplied cattle bodies, lowloader bodies and flat bodies to the same exacting standards as its trailers.

Production is supplemented by a limited number of IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Another flat body from Dooley Brothers Engineering Works

products from other producers - such as livestock boxes for cars and 4x4s and box van trailers for the commercial sector.

Current MD Joe Dooley reflects on the genesis of the family business: “We were established 50 years ago by my

dad Jimmy and his brother Billy. Jimmy had worked with a trailer manufacturer before then and that’s the business we got involved in from the very beginning.

We also did some agricultural engineering equipment like yard scrapers and feeding troughs but,

being based in the country, the real work was in building agricultural tractor trailers and that’s what they concentrated on.”

Since the sixties, of course, the size and complexity of trailers has increased dramatically and there was a significant

A stepframe lowloader from Dooley Brothers

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

43

Dooley Bros have a stellar reputation in the trailer business

A 16 tonne disappearing tailboard dumper

increase in demand, not least because of the company’s reputation for building sturdy, long-lasting products, while Dooley Bros has also diversified its operation to manufacture a vast range of trailer types, catering for a wide range of business sectors.

At present, the company employs a crew of 13 including Joe’s brother Sean, having scaled back somewhat since the boom times, mainly due to the fact that the UK export market had dried up. But there are encouraging signs that this market will open up again, with inroads having been made in recent months.

Joe ran me through a few of the milestones recorded in this successful family business as it gradually got into new markets: “We were formed in 1962 building agricultural trailers and registered as a limited company in 1971. In 1979 we broke into car trailer production on a serious scale. In ’92, we started to build dump trucks for the construction industry and in ’98 we started doing lowloader trailers. In 2004, we

developed an artic lowloader trailer.”

Even though agricultural work still accounts for a a large percentage of output, Dooleys also manufacture a lot of lowloaders, flats and specialist trailers for small trucks.

They have customers from all over Ireland, the UK and even from as far afield as Norway, Australia, Canada and Poland.

As a family business with a personal touch, they pride themselves on providing a top class back-up service. They stand over every product they design and manufacture and have a policy of always being willing to repair or refurbish any Dooley trailer, even if it’s 50 years old. Spare parts are available for all Dooley products and the parts department has been expanded to also offer parts for other products, including an extensive range of axle and hitch coupling spares.

Today, Dooleys still carry out some light engineering work when their workload permits, selling bale handling equipment, feeding troughs, cow cubicles and yard scrapers.

The ‘90s heralded substantial expansion to the company premises with some of the old buildings being demolished to make room for a new fabrication area with an overhead crane. Trailers changed significantly during this time, with steel-bodied trailers becoming the norm. The increase in size also brought tandem axles in greater numbers and new models were introduced to incorporate new features and sizes. Design of the trailers was now carried out by computer - a forerunner to the current AutoCAD and 3D design packages.

Wishing Continued Success To Dooley Brothers Engineering Works Ltd, From

STEEL STOCKHOLDERS • STEEL SHEET PROFILERS STEEL SERVICE CENTRE Dublin Road, Kilkenny Tel: 056 7722485 Fax: 056 7763411 Email: sales@steel.ie • www.steel.ie

Best Wishes To Dooley Brothers Engineering Works Ltd From

ARCHITECTURAL & METAL SYSTEMS LITTLE ISLAND, CORK Bespoke Aluminium Extrusion, Made In Ireland

CONTACT 01 6016237

44

With proven engineered solutions Granning Axles help you save a little every day

We specialise in providing a full engineering and design service to meet our customers' exact requirements rather than supplying standard, off-the-shelf products.

Whether it's bogies, disc brakes, suspensions, truck or trailer parts we offer a full range to suit your needs.

Toughline Manufacturing Limited Naas Industrial Estate, Naas, Co. Kildare T: + 353 (0) 45 897 553 F: + 353 (0) 45 894 306 E: info@granningaxles.ie www.granningaxles.ie Best Wishes To The Dooley Brothers Engineering Works Ltd IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

The new millennium brought further development, with shotblast facilities commissioned in another extension to the fabrication area. CNC pressbrake and profile cutting was added to improve production and capability.

Technology on trailers developed in line with previous decades, ushering in further increases in the size and speed of tractors and trailers. This resulted in the development of more triaxle trailers, air brake systems, optional air suspension, wheel choices, rollover covers, ABS brakes and further hydraulic systems for many functions.

Today, the range of products includes car trailers (general purpose, flatbed, tipping and mini-digger / plant), agri tractor trailers (compact tractor, single or tandem axle dropside, grain and silage trailers, cattle / livestock trailers and bale / flat trailers), construction trailers (tractordrawn low, dump trailers and dump / loader trailers), truck trailers (stepframe lowloaders and drawbar trailers for rigids) as well as a full range of trailer and axle spares. A full repair and modification service is provided and a range of used trailers is also stocked.

For the rigid truck operator, the most popular models are lowloaders with rear-loading ramps, from eight-tonne tandem axle on spring suspension to

24-tonne triaxle on air suspension. All truck-drawn trailers produced for the EU market are built with ABS as standard.

Other standard features are LED lighting, highvisibility markings and certified towing eyes.

Loading ramps are either spring-loaded for Dooley Brothers can build to any specification smaller models or hydraulically-lifted for heavier trailers.

Hydraulics can be powered from the towing vehicle or from a trailermounted electric power pack. Dooley Bros also produces trailers with a dual hitch to enable them to be drawn either by a rigid truck or agricultural A fine example of a tractor. cattle body trailer “We have standard models us in good stead now. We make a with popular options and these will point of refurbishing, repairing and usually have to be tailored somewhat standing over all our trailers. in accordance with customer “We’ve also updated our website requirements,” Joe confirms. “Then, and there’s a very good selection of we also do complete, off-theour products online now which can be wall builds, which can be discussed with myself or Martin designed from the ground up.

Storey, our sales director.

Once we have discussed the “At the end of the day, this is a family project with our customer and business and I provide a personal agreed a price, we will get in all service. If you buy a trailer here, you the required materials and go will buy it from me and I will oversee into production. While there is its production and be available no typical job, we’ll normally throughout the process and have the trailer ready within afterwards. That’s the advantage of three-six weeks.” dealing directly – the customer has as As for the future of this much input into the whole excellent concern, Joe manufacturing process as he wants.” concludes: “There has been a pick-up in agriculture and we COMPANY D also hope that UK demand will ETAILS improve with the drop in the Best Wishes To Dooley Brothers Dooley Broth value of the Euro. I’m confident ers Engineering Works Ltd Engineering Works Ltd. that things are going to Clonard, Bally callan, improve again and this PricewaterhouseCoopers County Kilken ny December / January was Leggettsrath Business Park, certainly busier than the same Phone: 056 77 Dublin Road, Kilkenny 69198 period last year.

Fax: 056 7769 497 “We will service all our trailers Tel: +353 (0) 56 7704900 throughout their lifetime and info@dooleybr os Fax: +353 (0) 56 7765962 we even did this during the www.dooleyb .ie ros.ie www.pwc.com/ie boom times, which is standing

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

45

All the Small things For over four decades, Galway-based Thomas Small & Sons has been providing an exceptional commercial vehicle bodybuilding service to customers from across the western seaboard and beyond. Irish Trucker recently popped into the company’s head office at Cartron, Claregalway to get an insight into the impressive history, current wellbeing and future plans of this stellar operation from personable managing director Vincent Small.

You want it, Thomas Small & Sons can build it

T

homas Small & Sons, commercial vehicle bodybuilders, was established in 1969 by the eponymous Thomas, who is still very much involved in the company today, working alongside his son, current MD Vincent Small. Vincent reflects on the genesis and early days of the successful family business, which is now in its sixth decade providing

customers with a full range of truck body modifications and repairs: “We started off building agricultural trailers for the local farming community and evolved over the years. My father was asked to build some truck bodies and he had gone into commercial vehicle building within a couple of years of starting out. He started as a one-man show, with help

A fine finished product from Thomas Small & Sons

46

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

from his father, Frank Small, who was a blacksmith by trade, and built it up from there.”

One of the key strengths of Thomas Small & Sons is its complete versatility and flexibility.

They can build a body onto literally any chassis, always offering a bespoke, custom-built finish to exact customer specifications. No job is too big or too small and every body is built in accordance with the client’s precise requirements, with total transparency through all stages of the design and manufacture process.

“Basically, a customer will come into us with the truck and they will usually have specific customisations and requirements and we will achieve these at all times. This is very important. In our line of work, you have to be able to give the customer exactly what he wants. To this end, we offer a onestop shop and will complete the full job from start to finish here on site.”

Thomas Small & Sons covers the west mainly but has built trucks for clients nationwide, including tilt and slide recovery bodies, tipping bodies, livestock bodies, the removal and refitting of truck bodies and cranes. We still produce a certain amount of agritrailers for the agricultural industry.

“We build what the customer wants onto any manufactured chasis and if we feel the job is not in our remit, we won’t take in on for the sake of taking it on.”

There is no such thing as a typical day at the workshop in Cartran.

Every day presents a new set of

challenges and the bodybuilding team is able to deal with every job presented: “Every day at Thomas Small & Sons is different,” Vincent confirms. “There is no such thing as a typical job. All of our technicians are multi-skilled and each man would have a variety of specialist skills because they have to multitask between welding, electronics, mechanics, hydraulics, painting etc. We employ a total of five and they are all really skilled guys, as you can imagine.

“We specialise in recovery vehicles, large and small, but all jobs vary and a large part of it would be modifications and / or repairs, where guys come into us with older bodies or systems and we will fix it up or modernise it. We can completely refurbish the truck body. Also, because of the way the economy is and the lack of funds at people’s disposal, people are more likely to refurbish a 10year-old truck than to purchase a new one. One of the areas we specialise in is a changeover, or ‘swap and re-fit’, where we take the body off one chassis and fit it onto another.”

Over the years, Thomas Small & Sons always provided an unrivalled level of customer care.

By looking after the needs of customers at all times, they have build up a generation of goodwill and loyalty, which is standing them in good stead during these challenging economic times.

“We’re very versatile and

Examples of the outstanding body building services available at Thomas Small & Sons

A finished build on a Hino

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

47

Best Wishes To Thomas Small & Sons From

www.ramko.co.uk 1000's of Standard Cylinders Ex-Stock Guaranteed Next Day Delivery Highest Quality Cylinder in the Market All Cylinders come with full Hydraulic Pressure Test Cylinders supplied in a High Quality Primer 63 Gortgonis Road, Coalisland, Co Tyrone BT714QG Telephone: 028 87 746253 Mobile: 07842126012 Email: info@ramko.co.uk Sales: sales@ramko.co.uk

Best Wishes To Thomas Small & Sons From

Galway Truck Centre Ltd. TRUCK & TRAILER PARTS D.O.E Test Centre • Josam Laser Alignment Tachograph Station 24 Hour Recovery • Agents For Speed Limiter

Headford Road, Galway T: 091 751984/752820/757553/778264 F: 091 755224 E: info@galwaytruckcentre.ie www.galwaytruckcentre.ie

Best Wishes To Thomas Small & Sons From

O’LEARY INSURANCES (GALWAY) LTD Liosban Business Park, Tuam Road, Galway Tel: 091 778677 Fax: 091 778680 Email: info@olearysgalway.com For Your Corporate & Personal Insurance Requirements Offering Expert, Independent Advice & Personal Attention On A Broad Range of Insurance Products O’Leary Insurances (Galway)Limited Is Regulated By The Central Bank Of Ireland

SPECIALISTS IN AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRIAL & DOMESTIC PAINTS ALSO FLOOR & MARINE PAINT Unit 9a, Ballybane Industrial Estate Galway, Co. Galway. Phone: 091 752177 Email: cosgrovecoatings@eircom.net

Best Wishes To Thomas Small & Sons

Best Wishes To Thomas Small & Sons

48

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Ready for action

HGV or LCV, Thomas Small & Sons can do it all

Recovery vehicles are in huge demand

flexible. We will take on any job, large or small, and we have never turned our noses up at anybody. During the boom times, when there was plenty of work for everybody, we never turned away the smaller jobs and that is really paying dividends for us now.

“We have a massive amount of repeat business from the loyal customer base that we have built up over the years.

Best Wishes To Thomas Small & Sons, From

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

A recovery vehicle

Some of them would be second-generation business coming back – the sons of men who had work done by my father.”

Thus, the MD is relieved to be in a position to report that Thomas Small & Sons remains largely unscathed by the recession thus far. So much so that there are plans for expansion: “The workshop was built ten years ago when I took over and we plan to add an extension next year,” says Vincent.

“We have the capacity to build any kind of truck and we will do everything from the actual metal fabrication to the painting, all in-house. We could be working on a cattle truck, from top to bottom, one day and then on a brand new tilt and slide the next day.” Some of the trucks have even been exported as far afield as Australia!

“We pride ourselves in the fact that every job is hands-on,” Vincent concludes. “I will go through every request and explain exactly what can be done and I will make suggestions and offer advice to point customers in the right direction. At the end of the day, we have decades of experience and we know what we’re doing.

“There’s no passing COMPANY D ETAILS the buck. The buck Thomas Smal stops with me and I am l & Sons, Commercial Ve available to talk to hicle Bodybui lders, Cartron, Clare customers 24 / 7. galway, County Galw Everything is upfront ay. and we provide a Tel: 091 7911 personal service, 54 Mob: 087 9804 which people really 76 0 Email: small.v incent@gmai appreciate.” l.com

49

Another HGV brought safely back to base

Helping to recover Almost 30 years since setting up business in Donabate, Co Dublin, Gannons City Recovery and Recycling Services Ltd have grown to operate one of Ireland’s most complete vehicle breakdown, recovery and removal services.

Irish Trucker spoke to company Managing Director Tony Gannon to find out more.

I

n 1982, Tony Gannon and his brother Sean founded Gannons City Recovery and Recycling Services Limited and from very modest beginnings the company has grown to be one of the leaders in Vehicle Towing, Recovery and Recycling in Dublin City and the surrounding counties.

In 2004, Gannons moved its headquarters to its present location on a 2.5 acre site with 45,000 square ft of custom designed facility incorporating Examination, Storage, Salvage Processing and De-pollution areas.

Being close to the M1 Dublin - Belfast Motorway and within easy access to the M-50 ring-road enables our response time, in times of emergency to be excellent to all parts of the city.

“We’re based in Donabate, Co Dublin and we’re established 28 years,” explained Managing Director, Tony

50

Gannon.

“We have 23 people working here and a fleet of 15 trucks which are mainly used to recover vehicles.”

All of Gannons’ drivers have received specialist training in Vehicle Rescue and Recovery to the standards set by the Institute of Vehicle Recovery (IVR).

The premises at Turvey Avenue has a section designated for de-pollution and crushing of End of Life Vehicles (ELV’s). They also provide substantial storage and examination facilities for Insurance Assessors and Gardai for vehicles that have been either involved in accidents or have been stolen.

Gannons’ Recovery Vehicles are equipped to deal with any situation from a Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) broken down, crashed or rolled over to light recoveries such as cars, vans and motorcycles which have either broken

down, crashed or come to the stage where they have to be disposed of as ELV’s.

Gannons operate one of Ireland`s most complete vehicle breakdown, recovery and removal services.

They are on call on a 24 hour 7 day basis and are fully equipped to handle passenger cars, motorcycles and both light and heavy commercial vehicles.

The staff are fully trained to handle any emergency.

Gannons are confident that you will find their service to be totally professional, efficient and competitively priced, having built a reputation for service, quality and efficiency.

The firm provide a Vehicle Scraping & Recycling programme to make it easier for car owners to dispose permanently of their old End of Life Vehicle.

Their ‘ONE-STOP’ service will see IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Sorting out metal for the crusher

The Accident Response Unit

customers’ End of Life Vehicle (ELV) collected, processed and a certificate of destruction issued to them.

On the introduction of the Waste Management (End of Life Vehicles) Regulations in 2006, Gannons were appointed by Fingal County Council as an Authorised Treatment Facility for ELVs and as such have been granted a Waste Permit in respect of their premises on Turvey Avenue.

In addition, they were granted a Waste Collection Permit from the Dublin City Council which authorises the collection of waste (End of Life Vehicles) within the Local Authority areas of Dublin City Council, Fingal County Council, South Dublin and Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown County Council areas by their fleet.

In the unfortunate event of a crashed or stolen vehicle they can be contacted directly from the Garda Division to collect the vehicle, or the public may contact them and they will provide a collection service and store it to facilitate an Insurance Assessor viewing and examining the vehicle before deciding whether it is suitable for repairs or otherwise.

On the heavy recovery front, they service Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV) such as articulated vehicles, trucks, buses etc.

In the unfortunate event of a HGV being involved in a collision or breaking IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

down, Gannons may be contacted directly by the owner or the Gardai and they will safely remove the vehicle and store it if necessary pending examination by an Insurance Assessor.

In the event of a crash or rollover involving a HGV they have an emergency response unit which is equipped with heavy lifting equipment, including 4x8 tonne air bags which are operated by generators. Gannons will recover any type of HGV from any situation / position irrespective of its

load or condition.

They have a heavy recovery truck that is equipped with a 30 tonne rotary crane and other specialist equipment which is used in rollovers and recoveries in off road situations. The main object of this specialist service is to minimise any further damage to the vehicle or its accompanying load.

On their secure premises, Gannons also have a large storage facility for any type of vehicle. The secure compound which has a gated perimeter is

The firm was established in 1982

51

Butterly Fuels Ltd. “your local oil distributor”

Call Today on 01-8438243 Email: butterlyfuels@gmail.com Best Wishes To Gannons City Recovery

Best Wishes To Gannons City Recovery From

Continued Best Wishes To Gannons City Recovery From

DEREK BEAHAN LTD 24 Hour Emergency Towing & Repair Service Rear 90-98 Emmet Road, Inchicore, Dublin 9

Telephone: 01 4534567/4549626/4549627 Fax: 01 4549628 Mobile: 086 2559188 Email:derekbeahan@eircom.net

Best Wishes To Gannons City Recovery, From KEN LANGAN

KEN LANGAN RECOVERY 24 Hour Recovery & Rescue

For All Types of Breakdown & Accidents Of Cars & Light Commercials Rogerstown, Rush, Co. Dublin

Telephone: 086 3929219 Email: kenlanganrecovery@hotmail.com

Wishing Continued Succcess To Gannons City Recovery

Best Wishes To Gannons City Recovery From

UNIT 1 HOLFELD PARK, KILMACANOGUE, CO.WICKLOW Tel: 01-2762607 Mobile: 087-6900895

www.ifrsireland.com Collinstown Business Park, Santry, Dublin 9

RECOVERY SPECIALISTS

24 HOUR RECOVERY SERVICE Telephone

087 284 3316 087 251 5708 087 981 4006

Email: info@Aspinmotors.com

www.aspinmotors.com Best Wishes To Gannons City Recovery 52

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Gannons City Recovery working on a major road blockage

No job is too big, as Gannons City Recovery come to the assistance of an overturned track machine

protected by a monitored 24 hour CCTV and on-site night security staff is an added feature.

In addition, their high staffing levels means that there is always someone on duty both night and day. They provide such storage services for the Gardai, Council Authorities and Insurance companies to name but a few and there’s no minimum or maximum storage period.

Some of the leading insurance companies that have formed a reliable business relationship with Gannons include Aviva, Allianz and Quinn Direct.

Not only can Gannons deal with vehicle recovery and scrappage, but they can also provide specialised services such as removal of roadway obstructions. Their personnel and equipment can be applied to any situation involving road accidents.

So if you’re looking for Ireland’s most complete vehicle breakdown, recovery and removal services, look no further than Gannon City Recovery.

COMPANY DETAILS Gannons City Recovery Unit 7 Roseville Industrial Park Turvey Avenue Donabate Co. Dublin

Experts at any job

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Tel: 01 8907715 087-2553039 (outside office hours) info@gannonscityrecovery.ie www.gannonscityrecovery.ie

53

A well maintained artic and trailer

Maintaining Limerick’s roads For over ten years now, Pat O’Neill has been working with the Limerick County Council to help maintain the roads of the Treaty County. Irish Trucker found out more about Pat’s role with the Council and their extensive machinery fleet.

T

hese days not too many would swap their job for someone with the responsibility of maintaining the roads of an entire county, particularly between the December and March months.

However, Pat O’Neill and his team in the Limerick County Council have been doing it successfully for over a decade now and when we spoke to him was gearing up for another stiff winter.

54

“I’m here with the Limerick Co Council since October 2001,” explained Pat. “We would have about 120 outdoor staff and my position here is Senior Engineer for Transportation.

“I’m responsible for 400,000km of roads in Limerick along with the winter service plan and floods service planning. Basically what we do is everything to do with road transportation in county Limerick and

making sure that they are safe and secure for the drivers and the pedestrians that use them.”

The last couple of winters have saw Pat and his colleagues being put to the test as record low temperatures froze many parts of the country and Limerick was no exception. Roads were highly hazardous during December and January of 2010 and the Limerick County Council did their utmost to try IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

and ensure drivers’ safety in the icy conditions.

2012 is likely to see the Council again having to be on its toes during the early months and again at the end of the year for November and December, but Pat explained that his job is one which requires heavy responsibility all year round.

This past December, Pat stated: “The next few weeks and month are going to be very busy for us. A lot of our work us very weather dependant, but at the same time the line of work that we’re in means that we can be busy at any time of year.”

In 2008, Pat and co were dealt a set-back during the early stages of the winter when flash floods hit Newcastlewest.

Pat admitted that it took a long time for the town to sufficiently recover from the problem, with some areas still greatly affected from the damage which was caused.

“It took years to recover from the Newcastlewest flash floods in 2008 and they were followed by severe winters in 2008 and 2009,” he stated.

The winters that followed in 2009 and 2010 were amongst the harshest ever seen in Irish history and Pat explained that the Council have learned from the ultra experience which saw temperatures drop to record lows in this country.

However, he admitted that cut backs within his department have had the affect that they

A tractor unit

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

were expected to have, with one fifth of the staff from 2008 making way.

“We have over 4,000 tonnes of salt in preparation for this coming winter, but we are well down in staff numbers,” he said.

“In the last year there has been a 20 per cent decrease in our staff has been because of the cut backs. It has had an affect and we would rather have those employees still with it, but with the times that are in it we just have to get on with our duties.”

Despite the recent reduction in staff, Pat’s department still boasts an extensive fleet to help them sufficiently deal with the dayto-day work that’s carried out.

The fleet is more than well equipped to deal with the icy problems which arise during the winter, as well as the typical work which goes on all year round.

“We’d have eight large gritters, six snow plows which are used for road reconstruction in the winter,” explained the Limerick County Council’s Senior Engineer for Transportation.

“We also have seven mini gritters for foot in case of ice which is a real danger for paths for pedestrians. The normal fleet consists of six tar-patching trucks, five rollers, seven three-axl trucks, six 10-tonne trucks

A Phoenix Chip Spreader

An Integral Patching Unit

One of the Council’s Articulated Bitumen Sprayers

A 26 ton tipper truck

55

A mobile diesel pump

and 32 pick-ups.”

“In total we’d have 97 items of machinery here,” he added.

There’s no question that Pat and his colleagues operate a very capable fleet, which helps them to do what they do so sufficiently, but recent years have saw one key element to any fleet take its toll with regards to cost maintenance.

The rise in fuel costs has hit companies nationwide very hard in recent years and Pat’s department hasn’t been any different. Running costs for their machinery have increased and, in turn, has had an affect on maintaining the fleet.

“When you look at what’s involved with maintenance, there’s labour and material, but it’s the cost of running machinery which has rocketed in the last couple of years,” Pat said.

“There’s a lot of pressure on machinery now because they are very fuel dependant and the cost of fuel now means that everyone is doing more for less. Hopefully, sooner rather than later, the costs will come down so everybody can benefit but it’s hard to see it happening any time soon, to be honest.”

COMPANY D ETAILS He added: “The biggest challenge now is to have Limerick Cou nty Council the resources to meet the Contact for ro ads demands. It’s all about Tel: 061 4962 personnel more than 33 em ail: roads@lim anything and there’s no erickcoco.ie www.lcc.ie/r doubt that it is going to oads get tougher.”

A road grader

A rigid Bitumen Sprayer

One of the steel drum rollers

Best Wishes To Limerick County Council SUPPLIERS OF QUALITY MACHINERY TO THE ROAD CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY FULL RANGE OF SPRAYERS & PATCHING EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE!

TRUCK MOUNTED SPRAYER

A salt spreading unit

56

TOWED BINDER SPRAYER

HOT BINDER SPRAYER

Dunmore Rd., Tuam, Co. Galway T: 093 25535 F: 093 52227 E: enquiries@targetplant.ie www.targetplant.ie IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Best Wishes To Limerick County Council From

Best Wishes To Limerick County Council From

JIMMY O’REGAN PLANT HIRE LAND DRAINAGE SITE CLEARANCE • DEMOLITION ALL TYPES OF GROUNDWORKS TRACTOR & DUMPER HIRE EXCAVATORS FULLY INSURED • DISTANCE NO OBJECT

Ballinruane, Kilmeedy, Limerick Tel: 063-85186. Mobile: 086-6030684 Email: jimmyoreganplanthire@gmail.com

For free quotations contact JIMMY O'REGAN on 086-6030684

Wishing Limerick Co. Co. & Staff Best Wishes For 2012

Contractors In Tarmacadam, Ashphalt, Surface Dressing, All Types Of Paving Catered For. ALL ASPECTS OF CONCRETE & FENCING, KERBING &DRAINAGE PATCH PAVING, ROAD REPAIRS & REINSTATEMENTS CARRIED OUT.

A Statement of Style & Quality Contact Willie Daly Email:

askeatonpaving @hotmail.com

Mobile: 086-2528151 Full design & layout service Mobile: 087 8094348 OUT OF HOURS OR Tel/Fax: 061-392507 EMERGENCY WORKS www.askeatonpaving.com CARRIED OUT

Wishing Continued Success To Limerick County Council, From

Best Wishes & Continued Success To Limerick County Council From

Gortboy, Newcastle West, Co. Limerick Tel: (069) 61373/61874 • Fax: (069) 61181 Email: westautoelectrics@eircom.net

Test Centre For Trucks & Vans, Truck Plating Tachograph & Speed Limiter Calibration

Specialists In Automobile, Electrical & Fuel Injection Repairs Agricultural, Truck & Car Oils

Batteries, Antifreeze, Filters etc In Stock

Kilmallock, Co. Limerick Tel: 063 98688 Fax: 063 98546 Email: info@keltec.ie

www.keltec.ie

Best Wishes To Limerick County Council, From

MOLONEY’S GARAGE

We specialise in the supply of quality used light commercial vehicles, vehicle maintenance, long and short term van hire, and 24 hour recovery.

For more information please contact Tel: 068 31138

Best Wishes To Limerick County Council From

SLIPFORM KERBING & ROAD RECYCLING

Dan Moloney on 087-258 9201 www.vansales.ie

Cloncagh, Ballingarry, Co. Limerick

Moloney’s Garage, Killarney Rd., Abbeyfeale

www.slipformkerbing.com

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Tel: 069 83007 Fax: 069 83333

57

A conveyor manufactured

by PM Engineering

Engineering success The quarry industry may have suffered greatly since the demise of the Celtic Tiger, but when a company produces a quality product, there is always a demand.

O

ne such business that produces high quality products is Dungannon based PM Engineering Ltd and this Co Tyrone firm has gone from strength to strength in its field of expertise.

For this month's edition of Irish Trucker, we profile this Northern Irish firm and speak to Design Manager Kingsley Willis about the products they manufacture.

PM Engineering Ltd was established

by Patsy Mulgrew and Father Mickey Mulgrew in 1991 and through hard work and dedication has grown into one of the most modern and progressive engineering companies in Northern Ireland.

With an experienced and knowledgeable team, this business has the expertise and know-how to perform any engineering job, even though their main focus is on the quarry industry.

PM Engineering Ltd specializes in the design and manufacture of high performance, custom built equipment individually produced to suit the

58

customer's specific requirements.

“Most of our work revolves around the quarry industry, but we also focus on the peat and concrete industries, as well as other private work which we carry out,” said Kingsley.

“We work with the client from start to finish and ensure to deliver the high standard that they expect and we try to exceed the expectations of our customers where possible.”

PM Engineering manufactures heavy steel structures for the quarry and mining industry and they offer a full turnkey service or supply only, depending on the customers' requirements.

“We take into consideration what the customer requires from their plant and from this we would produce an initial design concept, which is visually delivered to the customer, showing what their plant may look like once it has been completed and how it will perform. When we have come to an agreement on the specifics of the plant, we would then offer a quotation of

works to the customer. Once the customer is happy with the design and quotation, we then proceed to the next phase, which is the detailed design and manufacturing stage of their product.

For the quarry industry, most designs are generally different as all quarries are different in size and layout.

“A typical plant would involve complete design, manufacture and installation of crushing and screening equipment. It can incorporate primary crushing, feeding, and supply to stockpile, storage bins and recycling systems to suit the customer's specific requirements, considering all product types and sizes.

“We have a great design team here, who are able to produce an outstanding portfolio of complete, stand alone structures, for feeders, jaw crushers, impact crushers, cone crushers, vibrating screens, washing and integrated configurations.”

Kingsley revealed that the only part of the product that is not done by them is the electrical work, which is subbed IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Assembly work being carried out by the team

An impressive view of the fleet

out; otherwise, the team at PM manufactures everything.

Such is the experience that the company has gained over the years, their customer base has also expanded to all across the U.K and Ireland.

“PM Engineering Ltd directly controls each and every step of the project through a modular, integrated approach. By staying in close contact with our clients, from the very first meeting, through each service call, PM Engineering Ltd makes sure that the outcome will be totally personalized and satisfactory.

“Last year, we constructed a concrete batching plant in Yeovil, Somerset, in the U.K, which produces up to 20 million blocks a year. That's over 90,000 concrete blocks every day. We are busy enough at the moment, although like all other businesses, we have suffered in the last couple of years.

“We have a fleet of vans all over Ireland and parts of the UK, looking after the maintenance and support of all our products, of which this end of the business would be very busy. Our service is always coupled with a comprehensive back-up service, thus providing a top quality product and ensuring great value for money.”

P M Engineering's range of batching plants caters for the ready mix concrete, precast concrete and mortar industries, covering a broad spectrum of requirements.

With storage capacities and throughputs extending from low level, shovel fed, portable batcher, which can be easily relocated from site to site, up to high capacity multi-purpose static plants.

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

“Alongside the batching plant operation we design and manufacture storage bins, conveyor systems and even peat processing plants.”

PM prides itself on meeting the demands of the customer and their reliability to deliver a top quality product has been the basis for their success over the years.

“As a professional company, our reputation for outstanding customer service is second to none. We will match our expertise and production technology to the customer's individual requirements and we can provide equipment you can rely on for efficiency, economy and strength.”

PM Engineering Ltd employs 30 people, meaning it is a significant employer in the area, all of who are

highly trained and dedicated to their roles, meaning that each customer can rest assured that all tasks are carried out with the utmost care and precision.”

PM Engineering Ltd has a number of cranes at their disposal for hire. Each crane will be supplied with its own fully qualified operator. All cranes supplied will be fully certified.

“We provide a full contract lifting service which relieves you of the responsibility for preparing a method statement, risk assessment, managing and supervising the lifting operation thus ensuring that the lifting operation fully complies with BS7121.”

The company also has a spares and repair department that gives customers the peace of mind that parts can be at their premises sooner rather than later.

All products can be made to the customer’s specification

59

The quarry industry is still ticking over

“As a distributor and agent for many companies, we can supply off the shelf parts from companies like WAM, Motovario, Applied Weighing, ConSpare, Fenner, Vibtec and with many other companies, we provide a comprehensive list of spare parts.�

COMPANY DETAILS PM Engineering Ltd. 137 Ballygawley Road Dungannon Co. Tyrone BT70 1RW Tel: 028 8776 7957 Mobile: 07712 877 111 E: info@pmengineeringltd.com www.pmengineeringltd.com

PM Engineering was established in 1991

Concrete batching and quarry plant installation is a speciality

All products are assembled on site

60

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Best Wishes To PM Engineering Ltd, From Best Wishes To PM Engineering Ltd

CONSTRUCTION FASTENERS IRL.LTD

Diamond Core Drilling Fixings and Drill Bits for the Construction & Engineering Industry STORE Unit 7, O’Neills Yard, 18 Cookstown Road, Dungannon, Co. Tyrone BT71 4BG Tel: (028) 8776 7981 • Fax: (028) 8776 1020 Email: oliver-constructionfasteners@hotmail.co.uk

Lissue Industrial Estate, Lisburn BT28 2SU

Continued Best Wishes To PM Engineering Ltd, From Continued Best Wishes To PM Engineering Ltd, From

L S Forklifts, 12 Clonmakate Road, Birches, Portadown, BT62 1LR Tel: +44 (0)28 38852503 Mobile 07703 259923 F: +44 (0)28 38852534 E: sales@lsforklifts.co.uk FOR ONLINE PARTS VISIT

www.lsforklifts.co.uk Wishing Continued Success To PM Engineering Ltd From

THE THE PAINT PAINT CENTRE CENTRE

Anchor Engineering was established to supply bearings and power transmission products throughout Ireland and the UK.

MACHINING SERVICE • BESPOKE MANUFACTURING LUBRICATION SYSTEMS • DRAWING SERVICE ON SITE CONDITION MONITORING EQUIPMENT 5 Ringbane Road, Donaghmore, Newry, Co. Down BT34 1NL Telephone: 02830 252580 Fax: 02830 257935 Email: info@anchorengineering.org.uk www.anchorengineering.org.uk

Best Wishes To PM Engineering Ltd, From

217 Moira Road, Lisburn, Co. Antrim BT28 3DX

Telephone: 02892 622146 Telephone: 02892 622274 Fax: 02892 621030

E: thepaintcentre@btconnect.com

SPECIALISTS IN CLEANING STONE STEEL & WOOD AND QUARRY PLANT COMMERCIAL SPRAYING

43a Drumrainey Road, Castlecaulfield, Dungannon, Co. Tyrone BT70 3NY T: 028 8776 7722 F: 028 8776 7712 E:orla@phshotblasting.com

www.phshotblasting.com

Wishing Continued Success To PM Engineering Ltd From

IRISH

AUTOMATION • CONTROL PANELS BREAKDOWN & REPAIRS INDUSTRIAL & COMMERCIAL

Tel: 028 8776 9362 Mobile: 07813 127439

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

& LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Don’t be left in the dark log on to

www.irishtrucker.com 61

Irish Metal Refinaries is at the forefront of the industry in Ireland

Leading the way Celebrating 20 years in business this year, Irish Metal Refineries has grown to become one of the leading providers of metal recovery services in this country. Irish Trucker spoke to General Manager, Martin Murphy, to find out all about the company.

E

stablished in 1992, Irish Metal Refineries has over 20 years of experience in recycling and waste management. From a modest beginning as a small metal refinery, IMR is now Ireland’s leading provider of a broad array of metal recovery services and comprehensive e-waste recycling and environmental waste management solutions.

Headquartered in county Meath, IMR offer a nationwide collection service and on-site grading by their highly trained team. Hundreds of multinational companies as well as small and medium scale enterprises rely on them to capture untapped cost savings and revenue opportunities in recyclable materials and also to meet their electronic and environmental waste regulations.

62

IMR has a strong reputation for extracting the highest metal returns in the shortest turnaround times through proven processes, state-of-the-art infrastructure and a lean cost structure.

They recycle ferrous metals, nonferrous metals and are Ireland’s leading buyer of catalytic converters. They specialise in recovering precious metals like gold, silver and palladium and rare metals like titanium, tantalum and molybdenum.

IMR are recycling industry veterans who still approach the job with the same flexibility and entrepreneurial zeal of a start-up company. Their expertise in devising sustainable recycling strategies and the ability to execute complex waste management projects under strict environmental compliance regulations helps hundreds

of organizations to reduce waste, save money and protect the environment.

“We’re based here in Duleek in Co Meath and we are coming up on 20 years in business,” explained General Manager, Martin Murphy.

“We have 14 working here at the moment and we do metal recycling and the company originally started in the west of Ireland. We are also one of the leading buyers of exotic metals in this country.”

One of Ireland’s leading buyer of catalytic converters, ferrous metals, non-ferrous metals, precious metals and rare metals for over two decade, IMR boast a state-of-the-art infrastructure and a dedicated nationwide collection service and offer reliable recycling solutions with an experienced team available to assist IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Sorting out metal for the crusher

with planning and implementation of recycling strategy.

They also offer a range of proven waste management solutions, high quality training and consultancy services that reduce waste management costs and help many companies turn unwanted waste into cash.

IMR are Ireland’s foremost provider of end-to-end comprehensive waste management solutions, training and consultancy services. They provide turnkey as well as highly customised solutions to effectively manage multiple waste streams at a variety of levels in organizations of every size. Their unmatched experience and green technology expertise help reduce waste and increase the amount of recycle waste through practical and cost-effective programs.

Through a three-step process of comprehensive waste audits, customized waste management planning and rigorous implementation of the solutions, IMR effectively manages waste so that companies can focus on their core business instead of worrying about the junk. They partner with many large as well as small and medium scale organisations to help them achieve zero waste.

IMR boast one of Ireland’s largest IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

networks of waste collection centres to facilitate easy collection of metal waste, catalytic converters, electronic waste and other types of waste.

While providing site clearance operations and demolition-restoration services, they also offer on-site waste management solutions with staffing services and program implementation on as-needed basis. Their services include: National Collection Service; Material and Asset Management; Environmental Waste Management Solutions; Comprehensive Waste Management Consulting; Waste Management Training; Site Clearance

Services and On Site Solutions.

Over the years, IMR have Ireland’s leading buyer of catalytic converters.

Catalytic converters are used in cars to reduce the emission of air pollutants.

They are also used in exhaust systems of trucks, buses, trains, airplanes, mining equipment and generators. The catalysts used in most of these converters are usually platinum group metals such as platinum, palladium and rhodium, which are expensive and have high recovery value. Converters also use ceramic catalysts and nonplatinum metals like cerium, iron, steel, manganese, nickel and ceramic, all of

Copper wire

63

Continued Best Wishes To IMR From

Best Wishes & Cosntinued Success To IMR From

Leitrim Auto Recyclers Dismantlers of All Types of Vehicles

RECYCLING 24 HOUR BREAKDOWN SERVICE ALL MAKES OF PARTS AVAILABLE Large Selection Vehicles for Breaking Damaged Repairables Stradbally Co. Laois T: 057-864-6680 F: 057-864-6634 M: 086-857-5020 E: mbyrnebreakers@gmail.com

Wishing Continued Best Wishes To IMR From

Jim Phillips

The Happy Man & Sons SCRAP MERCHANTS

539 Geraldine, Athy, Co. Kildare Contact Us On

T: 087 4123810 or 059 8631082

Leading Metal Merchants Demolition Experts

WHAT WE CAN RECYCLE

End of Life Vehicles ( Cars, Vans, Lorries Etc) Farm & Factory Scrap Metal • Batteries • Tyres • W.E.E.E. Products

Kiltoghert, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim

Tel: 086 254 1083 Email: dessierooney@hotmail.com

Continued Best Wishes To IMR From

ORISTOWN AUTO RECYCLERS LTD Metal Recyclers • Authorised Treatment Facilities

CAR PARTS - NEW & USED

WHAT WE DO: • Recyclers of all types of metals • Skips Service Provided • Top prices paid for unwanted cars, vans & trucks Top prices paid for farm/factory scrap • End of Life Vehicles Certificates of Destruction issued • Now stocking new starters, alternaters, body parts, bumpers, batteries, lamps, mirrors, tow bars and oils

Prompt service provided Telephone: 046-9240165/9247858 Fax: 9249636 Pat Fitzpatrick 086-0887844 E: oristown01@eircom.net

FOR ALL YOUR CCTV NEEDS

ABLE CCTV Best Wishes To IMR

CCTV INSTALLATION AND MONITORING 1 Hardmans Gardens, Drogheda, Co. Louth Tel: 041 9846 530 M: 086 8956 037 E: info@ablecctv.ie www.ablecctv.ie Continued Best Wishes To IMR

Continued Best Wishes To IMR

NSAI/ PSA LICENCE

CONTACT KEVIN ON 086 3935106 www.proutsecurity.com

BEST WISHES TO IRISH METAL REFINERIES, FROM

Paul Kavanagh TN

Limited

T:041 9823282/9823016 F: 041 9880330 Sandyhills, St. Margaret’s, Co. Dublin

Tel: 01 856 9434 or 086 265 4884 Email: st.MargaretsRecycling@live.ie 64

Platin Road, Drogheda, Co. Meath Email: info@kavanaghvtn.com

LGV & HGV Tests I Repairs & Services Tachograph & Speed Limiter Calibrations Tyres & Car Wash IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Alloys set to be recycled

Best Wishes To IMR & Continued Success In The Future From

multimetals

recycling ltd.

Metal Processors & Exporters Factory & Site Clearance Specialist All Metals Bought Skip & Collection Service

t:

e: office@multimetals.ie

Bollarney, The Murrough, Wicklow Town

which are recycled.

IMR have a nationwide collection service to serve their customers in a fast and efficient way and deal with many car dismantling and automobile firms. They also arrange a pickup and delivery service, and buy all types of catalytic converters.

At IMR, they understand just how precious precious metals are. So their experienced personnel use three different sampling techniques (melt sampling, dry sampling and solution sampling) to accurately determine the amount of recyclables in their customers’ scrap.

The precise recording and cataloguing techniques preserve the integrity of the materials received and a state-of-the-art lab consists of an array of gravimetric and volumetric

Best Wishes To IMR From

BRENNAN FINANCIAL SERVICES Insurance Brokers • Mortgage Brokers Pension Consultants Brannockstown, Trim, Co. Meath T: 046 9555109 F: 046 9560960 M: 086 2578110 Email:brennanfinancialservices@googlemail.com Eoin Brennan t/a Brennan Financial Serivces is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

techniques as well as more advanced atomic absorption, X-ray fluorescence and ICP emission spectroscopic instruments to accurately determine the content of precious metals.

IMR’s long experience in precious metal recovery powered by these metallurgical innovations helps them achieve one of the fastest turnaround times in the industry. This reduces metals costs and maximizes returns.

They specialise in recovering gold, silver and platinum group metals (platinum, rhodium, and palladium) of any size lot in a cost-effective manner.

Recycling is also a major part of IMR at present and their plans for the future.

Companies of all sizes across all industries are under intense pressure from public and environmental regulatory authorities to reduce their

Continued Best Wishes To IMR From

Unit 9, Block C, Athy Business Campus, Athy, Co. Kildare Telephone: +353 86 8533983 SUPPLIER OF QUALITY USED PALLET RACKING QUALITY USED INDUSTRIAL SHELVING USED PALLET TRUCKS CONVEYOR SYSTEMS COMPRESSORS & PUMPS 65

Crushed metal bales

waste and employ green technologies. This is no longer a PR issue. The environmental impact of a company is now a core concern among its operations. With the increasing waste disposal costs and tightening waste management regulations, organizations are in a dilemma over how to approach and handle recycling issues. This is where IMR come into the picture.

In the last 20 years, IMR have metamorphosed into Ireland’s leading provider of precious metal refinery services, recyclables recovery and comprehensive environmental waste management solutions. They are the nation’s foremost recycler of catalytic converters, ferrous metals, non-ferrous metals, rare metals, precious metals and electronic waste.

Electronic waste and motors Copper bundles

Catalytic Converters

Wishing Continued Success To IMR From

COMPANY DETAILS AUDITORS & ACCOUNTANTS

Irish Metal Refinaries Unit 2, Duleek Business Park, Duleek. Co. Meath

Market Square, Tullamore, Co. Offaly

Tel: 041 982 3292 Email: martin@irishmetals.ie

Tel: 057 93 21700 Fax: 057 93 21767 Email: info@deveryfarrelly.ie 66

www.irishmetalrefinaries.ie

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

The place for all your Irish Plastic Industry Needs The Granary, Knockglass, Kells, Co Meath Contact PADRAIG SHINE @ 086 2283230 - 046 9246855 email: padraigshine@ireland.com

www.

CONTINUED BEST WISHES TO ALL AT IMR

Best Wishes To IMR From All At

HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS Drogheda, Co. Louth T: 041 9883578 M: 086 8266848

www.brightsafety.ie

Wishing Continued Success To IMR From Best Wishes To IMR From All At

AMLAC FORKLIFTS TOYOTA MATERIAL HANDLING Unit 2, Newtown Road, Malahide Road Industrial Park, Dublin 17

Tel: (01) 8476866 • Fax: (01) 8484672 Email: info@amlac.ie Website: www.amlac.ie Continued Best Wishes To IMR From

COLLON VEHICLE DISMANTLERS Collon Business Park

FOR ALL YOUR TRUCKING NEWS!!

www.irishtrucker.com IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

All Cars/ 4x4’s & Light Commercials

041 9819004/ 041 9819627 67

Alloys set to be recycled

Best Wishes To IMR & Continued Success In The Future From

multimetals

recycling ltd.

Metal Processors & Exporters Factory & Site Clearance Specialist All Metals Bought Skip & Collection Service

t:

e: office@multimetals.ie

Bollarney, The Murrough, Wicklow Town

which are recycled.

IMR have a nationwide collection service to serve their customers in a fast and efficient way and deal with many car dismantling and automobile firms. They also arrange a pickup and delivery service, and buy all types of catalytic converters.

At IMR, they understand just how precious precious metals are. So their experienced personnel use three different sampling techniques (melt sampling, dry sampling and solution sampling) to accurately determine the amount of recyclables in their customers’ scrap.

The precise recording and cataloguing techniques preserve the integrity of the materials received and a state-of-the-art lab consists of an array of gravimetric and volumetric

Best Wishes To IMR From

BRENNAN FINANCIAL SERVICES Insurance Brokers • Mortgage Brokers Pension Consultants Brannockstown, Trim, Co. Meath T: 046 9555109 F: 046 9560960 M: 086 2578110 Email:brennanfinancialservices@googlemail.com Eoin Brennan t/a Brennan Financial Serivces is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

techniques as well as more advanced atomic absorption, X-ray fluorescence and ICP emission spectroscopic instruments to accurately determine the content of precious metals.

IMR’s long experience in precious metal recovery powered by these metallurgical innovations helps them achieve one of the fastest turnaround times in the industry. This reduces metals costs and maximizes returns.

They specialise in recovering gold, silver and platinum group metals (platinum, rhodium, and palladium) of any size lot in a cost-effective manner.

Recycling is also a major part of IMR at present and their plans for the future.

Companies of all sizes across all industries are under intense pressure from public and environmental regulatory authorities to reduce their

Continued Best Wishes To IMR From

Unit 9, Block C, Athy Business Campus, Athy, Co. Kildare Telephone: +353 86 8533983 SUPPLIER OF QUALITY USED PALLET RACKING QUALITY USED INDUSTRIAL SHELVING USED PALLET TRUCKS CONVEYOR SYSTEMS COMPRESSORS & PUMPS 65

Crushed metal bales

waste and employ green technologies. This is no longer a PR issue. The environmental impact of a company is now a core concern among its operations. With the increasing waste disposal costs and tightening waste management regulations, organizations are in a dilemma over how to approach and handle recycling issues. This is where IMR come into the picture.

In the last 20 years, IMR have metamorphosed into Ireland’s leading provider of precious metal refinery services, recyclables recovery and comprehensive environmental waste management solutions. They are the nation’s foremost recycler of catalytic converters, ferrous metals, non-ferrous metals, rare metals, precious metals and electronic waste.

Electronic waste and motors Copper bundles

Catalytic Converters

Wishing Continued Success To IMR From

COMPANY DETAILS AUDITORS & ACCOUNTANTS

Irish Metal Refinaries Unit 2, Duleek Business Park, Duleek. Co. Meath

Market Square, Tullamore, Co. Offaly

Tel: 041 982 3292 Email: martin@irishmetals.ie

Tel: 057 93 21700 Fax: 057 93 21767 Email: info@deveryfarrelly.ie 66

www.irishmetalrefinaries.ie

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

The place for all your Irish Plastic Industry Needs The Granary, Knockglass, Kells, Co Meath Contact PADRAIG SHINE @ 086 2283230 - 046 9246855 email: padraigshine@ireland.com

www.

CONTINUED BEST WISHES TO ALL AT IMR

Best Wishes To IMR From All At

HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS Drogheda, Co. Louth T: 041 9883578 M: 086 8266848

www.brightsafety.ie

Wishing Continued Success To IMR From Best Wishes To IMR From All At

AMLAC FORKLIFTS TOYOTA MATERIAL HANDLING Unit 2, Newtown Road, Malahide Road Industrial Park, Dublin 17

Tel: (01) 8476866 • Fax: (01) 8484672 Email: info@amlac.ie Website: www.amlac.ie Continued Best Wishes To IMR From

COLLON VEHICLE DISMANTLERS Collon Business Park

FOR ALL YOUR TRUCKING NEWS!!

www.irishtrucker.com IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

All Cars/ 4x4’s & Light Commercials

041 9819004/ 041 9819627 67

Wicklow County Council boast an extensive Volvo fleet

Wicklow’s reliables Coming up on 10 years of involvement with the Wicklow County Council, Pat Clarke talked to Irish Trucker about his role as its Senior Executive Engineer and what it takes to help keep the Garden County’s roads safe all year round.

T

he Machinery Yard supply the plant, drivers and equipment to help maintain the county’s roads, all year round and this is no easy feat by any means, but somehow Pat Clarke and his department within the Wicklow County Council have continued to make it work for almost a decade now.

Not too many would have swapped their job for Pat’s when it came to maintaining safety on Wicklow’s roads

68

over the past two winters, but it is one that he relishes and also takes pride in as he recently explained to us.

“Our office is in Wicklow town and my position is acting Senior Executive Engineer,” explained Pat. “I’ve been here since 2002 and I suppose our main role is to maintain the machinery yard, where we hire out the fleet, to the various departments/areas, Roads, Housing, Environment, etc. We’re totally self-

financing here and are the same as a mini plant hire firm for the Council, you could say.” We must like any firm justify our existence by making a profit each year, which is used to keep the fleet updated.

2012 sees Pat coming into the tenth year in his role with County Council and while he admits that times are getting tougher, he also believes that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

These past few years have never IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

been as busy for Pat and his resourceful department, particularly the past two winters which have saw record low temperatures freezing the country and leaving its roads extremely hazardous at times.

“We’re busy all year round,” he stated.

“During the summer our we’re looking after the surface dressing of roads and in the winter we are doing our best to make sure that the roads are safe and gritted to prevent accidents.”

“Last year, we were extremely busy with the way the roads were in November, December and then as well into January and this year we’re well prepared for more of the same if the temperature happens to drop to the same levels again. The staff were brilliant.”

Like any job, Pat has had to learn from his experiences down through the years and he acknowledges that it has proved priceless to him on occasions. A Civil Engineer by profession, he comes from a haulage back round so trucks are in his blood.

With almost 20 staff working with him in the Machinery Yard, plus 10 staff within the Direct Labour Unit (which carries out civil engineering projects around the county) and an extensive fleet to cover the length and breathe of the county which is divided by the Wicklow Mountains, it still can be difficult. He must co ordinate and manage the two sections simultaneously.

“We have about 16 drivers driving the larger trucks, 3 fitters and one

Three new Scania 18 tonne 4x2 tippers

Tipper driver Michael Coleman

Mitsubishi 6.5 tonne Canter Crew Cab tipper

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

The surface dressing plant in operation

foreman within the Machinery Yard,” said Pat. “We also get more truck driving staff from different departments during the busy seasons, but retirements and the ban on recruitment are making things harder and harder for everyone. The smaller plant is driven by the Area staff themselves.

We have a fleet of well over 120 vehicles, consisting of vans, jeeps, crew cab pick ups,18tonne tipper trucks along with 6x4 and 8 x 4 tipper trucks, with all the large trucks capable of carrying demountable frost gritters and snow ploughs. We also have tractor units, rollers, teleporters and many other single man operating machines.” “We only had a fleet of 30 vehicles when I took over in 2002.”

He added: “Our main departments we supply plant and equipment to within Wicklow County Council would be Roads, Environment and Housing.

They’re the three main sections we have and, as I said, we don’t get a budget, so we are entirely self-sufficient.”

Being self-sufficient isn’t an easy business to be in nowadays, particularly when you are trying to maintain an extensive vehicle fleet while diesel prices are at an all time high.

Pat agrees with the point, but says there’s little he and his valuable outfit can do other than to push on and hope for better times.

“It’s like anything, we’re just pushing our expenditure down, trying to get the best value for money and trying to take it on the chin like everyone else,” said the chief engineer for Wicklow County Councils Machinery Yard

69

Some of the day-to-day work at Wicklow County Council

The Machinery Yard has found good value for money in purchasing secondhand vehicles over the past few years and this has helped replace vehicles “at the end of their life” without spending a fortune. Every bit counts.

“When hiring out the plant we have to make sure our prices are competitive and adhere to the Departments guidelines in relation to the hire rates for all plant”.

Such is the nature of business, but Pat knows that they have gained a strong reputation through the reliable service provided over the last decade and they plan to continue to do so.

“We must maintain a good fleet as breakdowns will affect the productivity of the staff using the equipment and our customers within Wicklow County Council wont be happy” The last few years have saw a few new aspects introduced as well, which have helped raise the profile, as Pat explained.

“We have our own workshop and our own fitters, and it is important as we can respond quickly to all breakdowns on our own plant. We also look after all the fire

70

Continued Best Wishes To Wicklow County Council

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Best Wishes To Wicklow County Council, From

PLANT RENTAL & HAULAGE Tel: +353 (0) 1 6243804 Mobile: Neal +353 (0)86 2569785 Graham +353 (0)87 9152351 Jim +353 (0)87 9820324 Email: info@lowloader.ie Best Wishes To Wicklow County Council, From

Continued Best Wishes To Wicklow County Council, From

Coltstown, Castledermot, Co. Kildare Tel: 00353 59 9144644 • Fax: 00353 59 9144681 Email: jkelly@jimmykellytruckbodies.com

Best Wishes To Wicklow County Council From

www.jimmykellytruckbodies.com

AD NOBLE & STEVENS IN CONJUNCTION WITH AD TRUCK DRIVE ARKLOW WISH CONTINUED SUCCESS TO WICKLOW COUNTY COUNCIL

AD Noble & Stevens Arklow

Jamestown, Carrick on Shannon, Co. Leitrim Tel: 071 962 4753 Fax: 071 962 4810 E: sales@archwayproducts.com www.archwayproducts.com

Suppliers of LUK Clutches, Ferodo Braking, Fleetguard Filters To Commercial Trade Customers Nationwide Tel: (0402) 32006 Fax: (0402) 31205 Email: adarklow@adjrl.ie IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

71

Continued Best Wishes To Wicklow County Council From

Tony Duffy Engineering Ltd. SURFACE DRESSING CONTRACTORS

Lathaleere Industrial Estate, Baltinglass, Co. Wicklow Tel: 059 648 2232 Fax: 059 648 2211 Email: info@tdel.ie

Distributors of HOT TACK road binders Road Recycling • One-pass systems Road binding sprayers • Chip spreaders Tack coat sprayers • Sales & Hire Continued Best Wishes To Wicklow County Council From

TJ Hayden

T Hayden PLANT HIRE

K.D. (GARAGE) SERVICES LTD. Best Wishes & Continued Success To Wicklow County Council FOR INFORMATION ON OUR RANGE OF SERVICES PLEASE

CONTACT KEITH

Scania and Mitsubishi Trucks Tel: (053) 91 45554 Rosslare Road, Drinagh, Wexford • www.kdgarage.com

Leabeg, Newcastle, Co. Wicklow

T: (087) 2578169 Best Wishes To Wicklow County Council From

DAVE WARREN MOTOR FACTORS

Glenora, 30 Shrewbury Road, Shankill, Co. Dublin

County Wicklow’s Complete Plant & Tool Hire Company

Contact Dave on 086 2587104

www.wicklowhire.ie

Continued Best Wishes To Wicklow County Council

Tel: 0404 68149 or 01 6480080

Email: dwmotorfactors@yahoo.ie Fax: 01 2824232

WOULD

YOU COMPANY

LIKE YOUR

FEATURED IN

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS MAGAZINE Call BARRY now on 00353 (0) 46 9241923 72

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

service and civil defence equipment. That’s another string to our bow as well,” he said.

“As I said, we have our own workshop here in Wicklow town and do our own service and repairs on our trucks and other vehicles. We have steadily improved the workshop facility over the years with the introduction of a 26tn mobile somers garage lift, which helps when working on low entry fire appliances.

We also look after the maintenance and repairs on some treatment plants in Wicklow, as well as our department inspecting VTN Testing Centres around the county.”

Both the Machinery Yard and the Direct Labour Unit are always extremely busy and we have excellent staff within both sections and I am happy to be a part of this very important team which keeps Wicklow moving.

It seems that Pat Clarke and his department are earning that reliable reputation.

Surface dressing is the order of the day

Pat Clarke, Wicklow Co Council, Liam McNamee, Archway Products and operator Paudie Byrne in front of the Roadmaster being delivered to Wicklow County Council

A Volvo truck braves the tough conditions

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

73

Pat Murphy, Keith Cullinane and Joe Martin with the seven seater Peugoet 5008

As easy as T&C Offering unbeatable value in Peugeot commercial vehicles and passenger cars, T&C Motors Ltd. is celebrating over 30 years operating in Waterford city. Irish Trucker visited the company premises on Inner Ring Road to get an insight into their award-winning products, eye-catching promotions and stellar services from general manager Keith Cullinane.

W

ith more than Thirty years since arriving in Waterford city, T&C Motors Ltd. has developed into one of the county’s premier motor dealerships. This hasn’t happened by chance; providing customers with exceptional products and an unbeatable back-up service, T&C has deservedly forged a reputation for excellence. The main Peugeot dealership is weathering the economic storm and all the signs are encouraging that this model business will continue to thrive for years, nay decades, to come.

74

T&C Motors was originally established in Kilkenny in 1979 but relocated to The Quay in Waterford city in 1981. It was a small set-up in those embryonic days, essentially comprising one showroom, a workshop and forecourt petrol pumps. On the back of its policy of providing unrivalled levels of customer care, demand for T&C’s services increased annually and, in 1999, the operation moved to its present site - a purpose-built, state-ofthe-art showroom on Inner Ring Road.

The showroom was revamped in 2006, to accommodate eight vehicles,

and other refurbishment work to take place at the time included widening the forecourt and an expansion of the service area.

This left T&C in good shape for the challenges that lay ahead, though, in fairness, nobody could have predicted the nationwide (and global) economic downturn that was to follow. The recession has taken its toll on everybody and the motor trade counts amongst the worst-affected sectors, but T&C’s proud tradition of looking after its customers is standing it in good stead, as general manager Keith Cullinane IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

reveals: “In May / June of this year, the new “It is a challenging time but we 208 will replace the 207 and that’s do benefit from a lot of going to be another exciting time for Customer loyalty, who have Peugeot.” bought from us in the past and The product and build quality of continued to support us. We’re Peugeot’s vehicles is exceptionally hoping that perhaps we are good – not to mention the recordstarting to turn the corner. Twobreaking fuel economy - and that’s why thousand-and-nine was a the marque has regularly collected volatile year but things have some of the industry’s most prestigious picked up slightly since. In awards. “The 3008 was voted Irish Car 2010, business increased and of the Year 2010 and What Car it grew again in the first few Crossover of the Year 2010 and 2011. months of 2011 due to the The 308 1.6hdi also became world Government scrappage record holder for best MPG in 2009, support.

“The 5008 was Irish Family Car of the “We anticipate 2012 will be on Year 2011 and the 508 was voted Fleet a par 2011 and we look forward World’s Best New Car 2011 and Irish to the challenge ahead.”

Family Car of the Year 2012. The RCZ T&C Motors is the main was Irish Performance Car of the Year Peugeot dealer for Waterford city and county, a substantial catchment area, and is definitely punching above its weight compared to the average performance nationwide. T&C market share is close to treble the national average.

“That’s a big plus and it’s very encouraging for us,” Keith continues. “Again, it comes back to the loyalty of our customers and great support from Peugeot Ireland. The product has gone full circle now and things changed dramatically with the arrival of the new 3008 Crossover, 5008 seven-Seater and 508 Saloon which launched in April 2011. All Models are available with 1.6 HDi engines and the stylish RCZ is another The impressive showroom welcome addition to the at T & C Motors Peugeot range.

Best Wishes & Continued Success To T&C Motors Ltd, From

2011.”

And readers of this magazine will be only too well aware of the excellent commercial vehicle range offered by Peugeot, comprising the Partner, the Expert and the Boxer. The LGV market is extremely important to T&C Motors.

“The Partner van is a fabalous seller and it has exceeded all expectations.

Of the three vans, this is the one that’s really doing the business. It comes with a 1.6 HDi engine and is available in either two- or three-seater with longwheel or short-wheel base.

“The other two vans are in a different market, really. The Expert van is a three-seater, 1.6HDi, available in different payloads and the 2.2HDi Boxer panel van comes with short-, medium- or long-wheel base with standard roof or high roof.

The Boxer is a very good van with an excellent performance.

“We have a commercial vehicle centre here as a separate part of the overall business and this includes a very good aftersales department for commercials. We also have a demo vehicle here at all times for customer convenience.

“The vans are holding up reasonably well but it’s a very tough market at the moment. Again, as with the cars, loyalty plays a massive part, this again is attributable to our loyal customer base.

The service department is also vital with commercial vehicles and aftersales service has to be second to none. You have to treat your customers very well and this is something we have been very much aware of since we set the business up.”

T&C Motors is currently running two innovative

17-18 Ballinakill Shopping Centre, Dunmore Rd, Waterford

Tel: 051 820690 Fax: 051 820692

Email: info@scribes.ie IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

75

promotions and these are helping to keep customers coming through the doors. In the current climate, a little imagination goes a long way and Keith and his team cannot be found wanting in this department.

The first promotion is The Service Club, which offers members every fourth service free of charge - a great way to ensure customer loyalty. “Our service manager and our aftersales manager have both been here for over 30 years and we’re pleased that the loyalty of our staff has been on a par with the loyalty of our customers,” says the general manager.

Up until March 31st, T&C Motors is also offering 4% APR on selected models in the Peugeot range.

In the commercial department, they are running a scrappage allowance, which will offer EUR4,000 off the price of a new Partner van and EUR6,000 off the cost of a new Boxer. [All these prices and promotions were correct at the time of going to press.]

Keith concludes by confirming that this long-serving business is in good hands: “We have managed to hold our own these past few years. It’s

The T & C motors sales team with the Peugoet 508, l/r: Joe Martin, Pat Murphy and Keith Cullinane

been tight and it’s been hard but we’ve continued to provide a quality service at an affordable price and staff levels here have remained steady. We still employ 14 people and all our experienced mechanics and sales staff have stuck with us. We have a great selection of new and used cars and vans, an excellent track record, and we are in a strong position going forward.”

COMPANY D ETAILS T&C Motors Ltd, Inner Ring Roa d, Waterford city Tel: 051 8729 59 Fax: 051 8729 50 Email: sales@ tandcmotors. ie or cullinaneke ith@gmail.com http://www.ta ndcmotors.ie

Best Wishes To T&C Motors Ltd, From

Waterford, Clonmel, Cork & Tralee Telephone 086 6083389

www.freshvaleting.com

The Peugoet Partner van

76

€70

Offer of All Full Valets €70 with this voucher

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

CLASSIFIED

Cork Dublin Belfast Mob (087) 2835044 (087) 2597102 (0791) 2631524 www.hipower.ie Hi Power for Quality Products & Service

G.T.E. Heavy Duty Automatic Greasing for Truck, Trailer, Off Road

Superwinch and Husky Winches

P.T.O. Systems for All Applications

Heavy Duty Axial Piston Pumps for Crane and High Pressure Applications

• Also Top Speed Limiters • Reverse in Safety Devices Full Range of Hydraulic Power Packs, Pumps, Motors, Control Valves, Oil Coolers, Filters IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

77

TRUCK SHOW

TRUCK ACCESSORIES & MAINTENANCE SUPPLIES Monaghan (087) 2480730

IRISH AGENT FOR KELSA TRUCK BAR’S ALL YOUR INTERIOR & EXTERIOR

OPEN WEEKEND

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS IN BUSINESS wwww.bitsnbobstrucks.com Saturday 3rd & Sunday 4th March 2012 TRUCK ACCESSORIES IN ONE STOP

Saturday 10.30am - 5.30pm Sunday 11.30am - 5.30pm

COME VISIT OUR SHOWROOM & VIEW OUR EXTENSIVE RANGE OF ACCESSORIES & TOOLS KELSA & BAILEY’S PRESENT ON BOTH DAYS WITH AMAZING DEALS