Established in 1981, Forde Steel Buildings (FSB) specialises in the design, fabrication and erection of structural steelwork, roofing and cladding for the agricultural, commercial and industrial sectors. The Co. Cork-based firm is also the Irish distributor for Galebreaker products.
Over the last three decades, FSB has firmly established itself as a leader in the farm and industrial steel-framed buildings sector. Based in the mid-Cork parish of Donoughmore, which is eight miles from Blarney and 12 miles from Mallow, the business is an expert in all types of buildings and can construct any type of steel-framed structures from lean-to, simple steel frame with steel truss roof to steel portal frame.
FSB was set up as a steel fabrication business by managing director Mick Forde to service the needs of local farmers. Very quickly, the Forde name became synonymous with quality products which were well designed and built to last. These products included a full range of farmyard equipment, cattle penning, tractor trailers and steel-framed buildings. Within a year, Mick was joined by his wife Mairead, who continues to manage the finances in a very efficient manner.
In the early 1990s, Mick decided to specialise in the design, fabrication and erection of steel-framed buildings for the agricultural and industrial market. A new streamline purpose-built workshop was constructed, which enabled the company to produce buildings at competitive rates.
In the years that followed, FSB became more widely known in the industrial sector as more and more customers took advantage of the experience, expertise, advice and value-for-money offered by the family business. Nowadays, the industrial sector accounts for as much as 80 per cent of the company’s output, with farm buildings accounting for the remaining 20 per cent.
“Most of our work is concentrated in the industrial and commercial sectors,” Mick explains.
“We build everything from schools and car showrooms to factories and industrial units. At the same time, the agricultural sector remains a very important part of our business. We wouldn’t have been able to expand into other areas without farming. Many of our best and most loyal customers are farmers. When the industrial sector was quiet during the recession, it was the farm buildings that kept us going.”
In 2000, Pat Healy joined FSB to deal with the increased volume in sales of structural steel / commercial buildings. The fact that Pat can look after pricing, steel and cladding detailing, procurement and project managing means the customer can be assured of getting the best personal attention and efficient management for their project.
Mick looks after the agricultural building side of the business in the same way as Pat looks after all industrial-related matters. Mick’s son Evan is also employed as workshop and welding coordinator.
A CE certified company which boasts a province-wide customer-base, FSB has grown to employ 18 staff. The company has always insisted on employing staff and sub-contractors who are totally competent, and who ensure that buildings are constructed in a safe manner and finished the highest quality of standard. All staff are fully trained to comply with health and safety regulations.
FSB’s agricultural sheds can be fabricated to any height, length and width to your specific requirements. Mick and his team are with you every step of the way, providing a complete service from the ground up. Only the best quality materials are used in making a Forde building!
Among the projects the company has successfully completed are: Wolfgang Frank Horse Arena; Geary Farm Roberts Cove; Clyda Business Park; Brooklodge Business Park; Cherrywood Business Park; Fota Retail Park; Gateway Business Park; Kelleher’s Ford Garage; Nyhan Motors, Midleton; SuperValu, Cobh; Cloughduv GAA; Killeagh GAA; Cork Bonded Warehouse; Barnardo’s Childcare facility; Johnston Haulage.
For the past 30 years, FSB has been proud to represent Galebreaker in Ireland. The UK-based company manufactures access solutions, weather protection systems and ventilation systems for agricultural buildings.
“Galebreaker is number one for ventilation and windbreak systems for farm buildings in Ireland. Their products are also grant approved,” Mick says.
Galebreaker fabric mesh is at the core of many of its products. Galebreaker screens offer an alternative to space boarding, providing improved light penetration, ventilation and weather proofing. This tough, long lasting material brings solutions to farmers seeking weather protection for their buildings, ventilation for livestock buildings, doors for agricultural buildings and roller screens for above gates, walls and feed barriers.
The Galebreaker product range includes silage covers, electrically operated or manually operated doors for farm buildings and poultry blackout curtains. Galebreaker’s ventilation systems can be fitted to all types of livestock buildings, including cattle sheds, pig housing, goat housing, milking parlours and poultry buildings. In addition, Galebreaker also provides wind and heat shield and partitioning solutions to the industrial sector.
In conclusion, FSB is a one-stop shop for all your farm building needs. The company prides itself in offering an unrivalled service. By dealing with the team at Forde’s, you can get the best professional service and be assured of a building that will be completed expediently at a price to suit you.
FSB’s office in Donoughmore is open from 9am to 5.30pm Monday-Friday. Why not give them a call?
Forde Steel Buildings (FSB)
Ballygirriha,
Donoughmore,
Co. Cork.
Telephone: 021 7337218
Fax: 021 7337359
Email: [email protected]
www.fordesteelbuildings.com
Taken from Irish Tractor & Agri magazine Vol 3 No 5, June 2015
