Success in business can be gauged by its longevity as any company that has come through two recessions in Ireland must be doing something right!
And that is certainly the case for Coolrain Sawmills Ltd which first started producing garden, fencing, timber panels, decking, timber entrance & field gates and commercial timbers in 1984.
The eighties were a tough time for the Irish economy in general, but Coolrain Sawmills was able to come through that period and the experience they have built up since has helped them excel in their field of expertise.
The Co Laois based firm is now regarded as one of Ireland’s leading producers of timber products and company managing director Declan Hutchinson spoke to Irish Tractor & Agri about the services that they provide and they success that they have had down through the years.
“Our ability to diversify into other areas has stood us well over the years; we produce a wide range of timber products, 80 per cent of which is exported,” said Declan.”
One of the earliest products to be manufactured by the company were pallet and fencing timbers for the manufacturing industry. “We started off doing the pallets and fencing and they are still a big part of our business today,” added Declan.
“We have also introduced to the market our range of children’s outdoor play equipment, to include timber swings, climbing frames, play towers and slides. We carry a huge range of swings and timber climbing frame accessories to compliment the outdoor children’s play equipment. This area of the business has grown considerably in recent years.”
Of course, for all these products to be produced timber must be sourced and Declan stated that this was the hard part of the business.
“Coillte have an auction every two weeks and we try to buy our timber from that, but when you have a few people bidding then the price can be driven up. It’s a tough business to be involved in. We also purchase logs from Private Growers to keep up with the huge demand of sawn timber to the markets.
“Our experienced team is here to deal with all issues of the forestry industry including the purchase of logs, timber harvesting and to offer any forestry related advice should a grower require such.
“We can’t source logs from abroad as a lot of it is infected with a spruce beetle and that is not allowed in Ireland as it would only infect our indigenous timber crop. There is a shortage of raw material in Ireland, but we have to try and make the most of what we have.”
Coolrain Sawmills Ltd are regarded as a gate and fencing specialist due to the quality product that they manufacture at their joinery plant in Coolrain, Co Laois.
“A lot of work goes into our gates and fencing. We use pressure-treated Scandinavian Red Wood for manufacturing timber Field and Entrance Gates with Handcrafted mortised and tenoned joints to ensure the highest possible quality and a durable finish on all gates and fencing.”
The company’s customer base ranges from the private to the public sector with wholesalers, installers and DIY enthusiasts alike all preferring Coolrain Sawmills’ products.
“Through our many years of experience, we have learned to know what the customer wants and we work with them to ensure that they get the product that they want. Many of our customers have been with us for years.”
Declan admits that the success of the business would not have been achieved were it not for the help of a hard working and loyal workforce.
“There are 60 people employed here, most of whom are locals. A lot of them would have many years service built up at this stage. They are all highly trained in their own areas and they have made a huge contribution to the success of the business.”
Another area that the company specialises in is the manufacturing of a range of processed bark mulch.
“We built a state of the art bark mulching plant in 2004 to facilitate this. We now produce mini-chip bark, fine bark and medium chip bark. These grades of garden bark are sold loose or bagged in bulk and smaller 75ltr bags.”
The Company continues to invest in state-of-the-art machinery and equipment to meet the needs of the ever-demanding manufacturing industries.
“We have made a significant investment in the business on a regular basis in order to meet the demands of our customers and we are not afraid to do so. A new timber edging line is the most recent addition to the plant and that came at a cost of €500,000.”
Not only does Declan and his team produce high standard range of products, but they do so in accordance with all legislation and regulations monitoring the timber industry.
“We have our Integrated Pollution Control Licence from the Environmental Protection Agency since May 1998, and we ensure that the standards are met to retain that licence.
“To further highlight our commitment to maintaining a responsible business, we use logs from FSC accredited suppliers, we conserve our natural resources, prevent pollution by reducing waste at their sources, re-use and recycle material where possible and dispose of any waste safely.”
Declan is pleased with the direction that the company is heading, but through their dedication to deliver quality goods, they are always looking at ways to improve the business.
“One of our aims is to increase our share of the domestic market and that is an area that we will be working on. We are dedicated to the manufacture and delivery of timber products and services that meet the unique needs and expectations of our customers.”sold loose or bagged in bulk and smaller 75ltr bags.”
The Company continues to invest in state-of-the-art machinery and equipment to meet the needs of the ever-demanding manufacturing industries.
“We have made a significant investment in the business on a regular basis in order to meet the demands of our customers and we are not afraid to do so. A new timber edging line is the most recent addition to the plant and that came at a cost of €500,000.”
Not only does Declan and his team produce high standard range of products, but they do so in accordance with all legislation and regulations monitoring the timber industry.
“We have our Integrated Pollution Control Licence from the Environmental Protection Agency since May 1998, and we ensure that the standards are met to retain that licence.
“To further highlight our commitment to maintaining a responsible business, we use logs from FSC accredited suppliers, we conserve our natural resources, prevent pollution by reducing waste at their sources, re-use and recycle material where possible and dispose of any waste safely.”
Declan is pleased with the direction that the company is heading, but through their dedication to deliver quality goods, they are always looking at ways to improve the business.
“One of our aims is to increase our share of the domestic market and that is an area that we will be working on. We are dedicated to the manufacture and delivery of timber products and services that meet the unique needs and expectations of our customers.”
Coolrain Sawmills Ltd.
Coolrain,
Portlaoise,
County Laois,
Ireland.
Tel: +353 (0)57 8735152
Fax: +353 (0)57 8735093
e-mail: [email protected]
web: www.coolrainsawmills.ie
Taken from Irish Tractor & Agri magazine Vol 2 No 4, September 2014
