We all like our comfort and farm animals are no different. For farmers to get the best out of their stock, a proper housing environment has to be in place.
Millions of euros are spent annually by farmers in upgrading and improving their farms. The majority of this money is spent on building new sheds. Farmers expect the work to be completed to the highest standard while still been cost effective.
There are many companies in this country that specialise in farm buildings and for this month’s edition of Irish Tractor & Agri, we profile one such business.
Carlow based Doyle Farm Buildings was established in 1989 when Eamon Doyle who hails from a farming background decided that there was a niche in the market for the construction of farm sheds and buildings.
The company specialises in the fabrication and erection of structural steel and cladding for the industrial, commercial, agricultural and leisure sectors.
“We do all the steel fabrication work here at our workshop in Saint Mullins and we also stock a wide range of feed barriers, divide gates, drinkers, cattle crushes, cubicles and mats, therefore ensuring that we can fully kit out any livestock building. We also stock steel, sheeting, timber, fixtures and fittings for those who wish to build their own”.
The company’s location has been key to their success as this South Co Carlow based firm is situated on the Kilkenny and Wexford borders.
“Our customer base covers Wexford, Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford Kildare and Wicklow with about 60% of our work done in south Kilkenny.”
“Quality is essential to us, right from the start, we always said that we would deliver on quality and not be taking shortcuts to make a few extra quid. It is a stance that we have always taken and always will.”
With over 27 years of experience, Eamon says that though all farm buildings maybe similar, there are many factors and individual need to be taken into consideration, as no two sites or circumstances are ever the same. This is where Doyle Farm Buildings can tailor their services to their customers’ needs and give solid advice to them when needed. People’s expectations of farmyards differ, but sometimes small changes made in the planning of their building can make life simpler in the long term.
Eamon endeavours to make the buildings process as easy as possible to his customers. To this end, he can provide advice on shed layout and plans, moving onto the fabrication and erection of the steel and cladding, then following through to the complete kitting out of the animal house with feed barriers, divide gates, cubicles, drinkers, mats and crushes. The only thing he doesn’t supply are the livestock themselves.
Eamon and his team have established a first-class reputation within this industry through a balance of competitive prices, commitment to quality, customer satisfaction and proven capabilities.
“A lot of our business would be repeat business or returning customers. Like any business or service, if you provide an excellent quality, efficient and friendly service, return custom will always be present.”
Eamon admits that it can be a difficult industry to operate in given the fact that there a number of rogue operators who are intent in cutting corners in order to get a job.
“There are also lot of overheads to contend with in this industry and you have to factor them in when pricing a job, but it is hard to compete against crowds that are not paying these overheads like insurance, rates, getting machines tested and putting workers through courses”.
“We have always manufactured our steel frame buildings to the Department of Agriculture’s S101 specifications and we are also compliant with IS EN 9001-1 CE Specification. It is our policy to carry out all works in conformance with all Health & Safety Legislation, Construction regulations and insurance requirements.
There is a lot more paperwork these days, but it is for the benefit of the industry and we have met all the requirements asked of us. My wife Joanne looks after all the paperwork and she does a great job at that.
We source all of our materials from long established, quality suppliers and can offer lengthy warranties to all our customers.”
The work carried out by Doyle Farm Buildings is not just confined to the farming industry as Eamon explained to us.
“The housing of livestock, dairy, beef, sheep and horses would be where we do most our work, but we have completed some big projects in other industries as well. We have completed numerous large scale jobs such as an indoor hurling arena and spectator stand for Skeoughvosteen GAA Club in County Kilkenny. We have also constructed a state of the art 2 storey Rowing Club/ Boat House which includes boat storage, ball alley, gym and changing facilities in Graignamanagh, County Kilkenny. The 2 storey Scout Den, next door to the rowing club was also constructed by ourselves. A job of significance in the food agri business would be large scale storage and refrigeration facilities for McCarthys Strawberries in Sallins, County Kildare.”
“We would have a very experienced workforce, many of who have been with us years now. They have played a huge part in the success of the company.”
Their experience sees them provide a quality service and product, while their ability to complete a project on time has also earned them rave reviews.
Eamon revealed that August to December is generally the busiest time of the year for them, although they are kept going all year round.
“Though business did take a bit of a downturn in 2009 following the burst in the economy, we have never been completely idle and thankfully have managed to survive these lean years. In the last 12-18months, business has definitely started to improve with the economy starting to recover. There are five employed here at the moment, but during the busy time, we could have up to 15 lads here, all of who are highly trained in skilled in what they do.”
“Business is quiet at the moment, but we know that things will pick up in the near future once the new farm grant scheme is rolled out. We’ll keep working away anyway and make sure the customer is happy with the work that we do and as we always say here in Doyle Farm Buildings
HAPPY ANIMALS = HAPPY FARMERS”
Doyle Farm Buildings
Coolyhune,
St Mullins,
Co. Carlow,
Tel: +353 59 972 5847
Taken from Irish Tractor & Agri magazine Vol 4 No 6, July/August 2016
