Paddy Lacey Tractors has been successfully importing and exporting all makes of tractors and farm machinery since its inception in 1973. Irish Tractor & Agri touched based with Brian Lacey recently to learn all about the Wexford-based family business.
Business is good right now at Paddy Lacey Tractors and the plan is to keep things that way down in The Harrow, Ferns, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford right through to 2021.
Founded by Paddy Lacey in the 1973, Paddy Lacey Tractors is a family-run business trading from the Model County’s heartland.
The business itself is conveniently located just minutes from the M11 and has grown over the past 47 years to the point where it’s now known nationwide as a leading supplier of used tractors and machinery.
“The business itself is established since 1973 and right now there are eight full-time staff employed.
“It originally started from Paddy having trained in JJ Powers in Ferns, where his initial work was repairing tractors and machinery.
“He decided then to set-up his own company in ’73 and his wife Carmel came on board with him.”
The rest, as they say, is history.
Paddy was joined in the business by his son Brian in the late 1990s. Andrew followed a few years later and together they take great pride in supplying a prompt reliable service to their existing and new customers.
Paddy’s wife Carmel still remains involved in the company to this day, and she was helped for many years by Shirley Beasley. Shirley was an essential part of Paddy Lacey Tractors from her first day back in 1991 until her retirement a few years ago.
Paddy, Brian and Andrew are all qualified agri mechanics joined by an excellent team with Chris Kavanagh, Eugene Ellis and Eoin Graham.
Brian’s wife Paula looks after all the admin for the business, while Brian looks after the marketing department and registration of machines.
Paddy and Brian head up the purchasing and sales departments mostly, as well as being on the workshop floor on a daily basis.
Andrew heads up the workshop/diagnostics with up to date IT solutions to aid him and the team. He also specialises in remapping tunning/services and GPS solutions.
Today the total number of staff stands at eight full-time and that’s a number that could well increase in the coming months given the state of business at the moment.
“Business is going very well right now,” said Brian.
“Around 80 per cent of the business is New Holland based, but also deals in JCB, John Deere, Massey Ferguson and Case.”
At Paddy Lacey Tractors, they understand the changing face of the farming business in Ireland and acknowledge the differing needs of customers.
With this in mind, they offer a full range of used tractors from vintage to new and are also happy to consider trade ins.
The company’s specific expertise is in cross border trading and when importing quality used tractors; they give the Irish farmer the choice of a selection of machines that may not be otherwise available to them.
Staff at Paddy Lacey Tractors always pay particular attention to customers’ needs and spend time sourcing tractors and machinery that meet specific requirements.
The firm also export, and having previously conducted business across Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia, borders are no barriers. Importantly, they ensure that all relevant documentation is appropriately processed for customers as part of their foreign trading.
At Paddy Lacey Tractors, they ensure a comprehensive after sales service, with no job being too big or too small.
The team of qualified mechanics at The Harrow are ready to carry out all your repairs and servicing requirements.
Paddy Lacey Tractors also runs a Volvo arctic low-loader with winch to collect any tractors needing repair, delivery of sales (tractor and machinery) and collecting stock in the UK.
“Over the years, Paddy Lacey has built up a tremendous reputation by word of mouth,” said Brian.
“Through the company’s website, the farming community and attending local shows, people know Paddy Lacey Tractors and know the quality service that the company provides.
“From what I’ve seen, all machinery leaving the Paddy Lacey’s yard is serviced to the highest standard.”
He added: “Paddy himself has always had a very keen interest in restoration, especially when it comes to the old Fords.”
When you buy a new or used machine from Paddy Lacey Tractors, they aim to make the process as simple as possible for you.
As strange a year as 2020 has been, business is still going strong at Paddy Lacey Tractors.
“The hope is that the business will continue to grow. These are strange times we’re in but if you know the Laceys, you know they’ll be looking to grow going forward despite the current restrictions.”
Paddy Lacey Tractors
The Harrow,
Ferns,
Enniscorthy,
County Wexford
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 053 936 6338
Fax: 053 936 6406
Mobile: 087 244 6272, 087 257 532
First published in Irish Tractor & Agri magazine Vol 8 No 4, December 2020
