The adverse weather conditions in Ireland mean that we have to deal with all sorts throughout the year, but wind and rain are a common feature on this island.
Ireland has had more than its fair share of rain over the last few months, which has played havoc with the farming community as not only has land been flooded, but sheds and outhouses too.
There is not a lot that can be done to prevent this type of thing occurring unfortunately, although when it comes to protecting sheds, livestock and machinery, one company stands out from the rest and that is Clonmel Covers.
Based in Co Tipperary, this business was established by Seamus Phelan in 1990 and they have gone from strength to strength ever since.
Seamus had a background in the transport industry when he saw a niche in the market to provide waterproof covers for trailers and other accessories in the haulage industry.
He soon started to look at other sectors and these days his products are supplied to a wide range of industries including farming, leisure, construction, transport and pharmaceutical.
“We are quite busy at the moment, we manufacture a wide range of products for a number of industries and we are always looking at bringing out new products, which is often generated by a customer coming to us with a particular problem and we manufacture a product to solve it” said Seamus.
“One of our most popular products for the farming community is our EasyFit Windbreaker, which alleviates the problem of keeping hay and straw dry, while it also helps keep livestock healthy.
“Unlike sheeting, which restricts access, sunlight and air circulation, our EasyFit Windbreaker helps reduce wind by 75%, allows light to enter the building, greatly reduces rain penetration and is easy to fit and remove.”
Clonmel Covers customer base stretches across the whole country both north and south and their products are made to order and delivery is nationwide.
Seamus and his team attended the National Ploughing championships in Co Laois last year and he revealed that they received a very positive feedback from potential customers who were impressed by the products on display.
“We had a very good reaction from the ploughing championships and we got a lot of business from that and in particular for our EasyFit Windbreaker.
“It is a quality product and is very good value for money. It is our own design and we’re very happy with what we have achieved to date.”
Other covers produced by the company for the farming industry include rotary mower covers, fertiliser spreader covers and waterproof covers.
“We have a wide range of products for the farming industry and these also cover the equestrian sector where we have provided wall padding and our EasyFit Windbreakers to many stud farms including some who are recognised worldwide.”
Seamus added that he has worked closely with Aqua Equine Treadmill founder and CEO Rory Deane the designer and producer of a revolutionary treadmill which offers the benefits of hydrotherapy for horses in a natural exercise programme without a rider at controlled speeds and gradually introduces water in order for the horse to recover faster from certain muscle/joint injuries over a series of sessions.
“We designed and manufacture the padding for around the top of the treadmill as the protection of horses from accidental injury whilst entering or exiting the treadmill was paramount”
Clonmel Covers also provide their products to the recycling industry as covers are used for skips and containment areas, while in the meat processing industry, covers are used for individual machines and computers helping to avoid costly down times.
The company also has some pharmaceutical businesses on their client list and they provide covers for machines where health and safety is paramount.
“We have worked for a wide variety of companies, businesses, schools and crèches. We have expanded our plant in Clonmel by 4,000sq ft in 2015 and a further 5,000sq ft is being added in 2016.”
All materials that are used are of the highest quality and Seamus stressed that producing a quality product is essential.
“You have to be able to provide a top quality product. We source our materials abroad and manufacture everything here at our plant and that together with our commitment to strict delivery schedules makes for a satisfied customer who come back again and again.
“We are grateful to all the customers that have supported us over many years and are looking forward to doing business with them in the future.”
Seamus admitted that the success of the business would not have been achieved without our loyal customers, which we put a very high value on and the hard work and dedication of his employees.
“I started off the business on my own and there are ten working here now, many of who have been with me for a good few years. It is a real team effort and they deserve great credit for the work that they do, without them none of this would have been possible.
“We are an innovative company who are always looking at new products and improving our customer base and as our motto says – We don’t just supply covers, we supply solutions to problems.’”
Clonmel Covers
Scotch Road,
Lisronagh,
Clonmel,
Co Tipperary,
Tel: 00353-52-6124881
Fax: 00353-52-6129695
Email: [email protected]
Opening Hours: Mon-Friday
9am-5.00pm, Closed for
lunch 1pm-2pm
For Sales Contact: Eugene, Austin or Seamus
Taken from Irish Tractor & Agri magazine Vol 4 No 3, March 2016
