This year marks 50 years of Husqvarna in Ireland. In all that time, Liffey Distributors has been the sole importer and distributor of the Swedish manufacturer’s forest, garden and construction equipment in the Republic of Ireland.
In 1974, Liffey Distributors sold the first Husqvarna chainsaw in the Republic of Ireland. It was put to work in Druminuna, Ballysteen, Co. Limerick and is still going today! That first sale became the starting point of Husqvarna’s business in Ireland. As Husqvarna grew, so too did Liffey Distributors. Offering a range of high-quality products, including Husqvarna, Oregon, Gardena and Aspen, the company is now firmly established as Ireland’s No. 1 importer and distributor of forest, garden and leisure equipment tools. Its commitment to providing excellent customer service has contributed to its success since its inception in 1970.
Fuelled by a passion for innovation since 1689, Husqvarna is synonymous with professional forest, park and garden products. Performance and usability meet safety and environmental care in its leading-edge innovations where battery solutions and robotics lead the way.
“We’re proud and delighted to be still flying the Husqvarna flag in Ireland after 50 years,” Liffey Distributors’ long-serving Aftermarket Manager Andy Walsh says.
“I’ve been part of the Liffey Distributors’ team since 1979 and have seen first-hand the growth and success of Husqvarna in Ireland. They’ve become the market-leader not just for chainsaws, but also for lawnmowers, trimming, ground care, pressure washing and construction equipment.”
Based in Northwest Business Park, Ballycoolin, Dublin 15, Liffey Distributors has come a long way since starting out for a small premises in Glasnevin almost 55 years ago.
“From humble beginnings, we’re now the leading importer of forestry and garden equipment into Ireland,” Andy proudly states.
“The company name came from Liffey Street in Dublin where the eight original directors worked for Walkers, who distributed chainsaws, garden equipment and prams before their closure in 1970. Eventually, Vincent Brady, who was also a Fianna Fail TD for Dublin North Central and Minister for Defence, became the sole owner of Liffey Distributors and the rest, as they say, is history.
“Having initially been distributors for Stihl chainsaws and Oregon chains, we partnered with Husqvarna in 1974 and became the most successful chainsaw distributors in the country. We still hold the Oregon agency along with Gardena and Aspen. Oregon is one of the biggest names worldwide for bars and chains.
“Sadly, Vincent passed away in 2020. But Liffey Distributors continues to go from strength to strength under the direction of his son, Tony.”
Husqvarna offers a full range of forest and garden tools, including chainsaws, lawn mowers, robotic lawn mowers, garden tractors, grass trimmers, hedge trimmers, leaf blowers and ride-on front mowers for both professionals and homeowners. In recent years, there has been a remarkable growth in robotic mower sales which now account for 70% of Husqvarna’s business in Ireland.
“Our biggest selling item by far is the automatic lawn mower. We’re supplying between 12,000 and 15,000 a year to our network of dealers. Automatic mowers take care of your lawn maintenance 24/7, saving you time in the process, are easy to operate and are an environmentally-friendly alternative to petrol-powered lawn mowers thanks to their electric batteries.”
Battery electric chainsaws are also on the increase. Every model, be it battery electric or petrol, gives you the power, performance and design you expect from Husqvarna.
“Husqvarna is putting a huge focus on battery-powered equipment with the aim of being carbon neutral by 2025 in terms of transport and production. They’ve been generating their own electricity using hydropower from the Husqvarna waterfall in Sweden for manufacturing for decades. They’re gradually getting away from two-stroke technology and embracing battery power.”
Recently, the Husqvarna Group was acknowledged by TIME and Statista as one of the world’s most sustainable companies. The recognition followed a rigorous evaluation process that assessed the world’s 5,000 leading companies across various sectors.
With more than 90% of its emissions originating from end-users, Husqvarna recognises the critical importance of electrification in reducing its overall carbon footprint. It has made remarkable strides in its sustainability journey, reducing its emissions by 51% since the base year of 2015, while also achieving a 47% growth in business. The company is actively transforming its business model by shifting from petrol to battery-powered products.
As of 2023, 43% of Husqvarna’s motorised products were electrified, up from 11% in 2015. It aims to electrify two-thirds of its motorised products by 2026.
In his role as Aftermarket Manager, Andy has provided many chainsaw advice clinics nationwide. The topics he covers include: how chainsaws work; chainsaw maintenance and sharpening; personal safety; oil and fuel; and PPE.
“I’ve got to know a lot of people, including many farmers, across the country through the chainsaw clinics. The purpose of the clinics is to give some practical, expert training and advice regarding the maintenance and safe use of chainsaws.”
A winning combination, here’s to the next 50 years of Husqvarna and Liffey Distributors!
Liffey Distributors
309 Northwest Business Park,
Ballycoolin,
Dublin 15.
Telephone: 01 824 7049
Web: www.liffeyd.com
First published in Irish Tractor & Agri magazine Vol 12 No 4, November/December 2024
