Maintenance, servicing and repair work are an integral part of the smooth running of any engine-based machine.
Downtime is something that both the haulage and transport sectors, along with the agricultural industry strive to avoid at all costs, but unfortunately, they do occur.
That is why anyone working in these sectors use trustworthy garages that are not only experienced, but reliable and efficient at what they do.
For this month’s edition, we profile one such company as we take a look at Barry Leech Plant Repairs & Service and speak to the main man himself about the services they provide.
Situated near Killucan, Co Westmeath, the business is located to the M4 motorway which means they can quickly respond to any breakdowns that may have occurred to their customers
Barry and his team of highly-trained and experienced mechanics can carry out all necessary repairs and maintenance to your truck or trailer or agricultural machinery at his state-of-the-art workshop which boasts a full range of diagnostics for all makes and models.
“We provide a top-class, cost-effective and friendly truck and trailer repair and maintenance service,” the affable garage owner says. “Time is money for our customers and with this in mind, we keep their downtime to a minimum by carrying out repairs and servicing quickly and efficiently. We’ve come a long way since 2013 and our aim is to continue providing the level of service our customers are used to.”
In the last eight years, the customer base has grown significantly and is divided between the haulage and agricultural sectors. This means that they are never idle as their workload covers them for 12 months of the year.
“We have always been busy. We work on-site and off-site. Both the workshop and the vans are well kitted out, so we are able to carry out many of the repairs on site.
“We would look after a lot of the local farmers’ machinery, while we cater for the haulage sector as well. Look anything that has an engine has passed through these doors at one stage or another.”
Investment is key to the success of any business and this is something that Barry is mindful of as the equipment is upgraded on a regular basis.
You’re investing in the business on a regular basis. There’s always new technology, new equipment and new gadgets coming on stream. You have to keep up to speed with all these changes or you will get left behind and your customers will go elsewhere.
“We are well equipped with diagnostics which is massive now. A lot of the stuff is computerised now, but you still need the toolbox to fix the problem. We would do a lot of Adblue DPF work, while we would remap tractors and basically look after anything that has to be done. A lot of the work is complicated in that you need a computer, but all the lads here are well trained and experienced at what they do.”
Barry revealed that he doesn’t go in for advertising really as he feels that another source of advertisement has been very beneficial to him.
“Most of the work that we have got has been through word of mouth, so I’ve never really had to advertise, I did a bit at the start, but now all new work is coming in through work we have already done.”
The Westmeath based company also help customers with scheduling their 12-week vehicle inspections and carrying them out to the prescribed standard. In addition, the garage will provide the vehicle owner with instantly accessible maintenance records which fully comply with RSA standards.
Repeat custom is always a good testament to the work any business produces and to this end, Barry can call on customers all across Ireland.
“We do a good bit of fleet work and a lot of customers have been with us since the early days. When you get a lot of repeat business, you know you’re doing something right,” he continues.
Barry endeavours to look after his customers as best he can and that means being just a phone call away if he is needed. “We understand that being stranded on the side of the road can be stressful and dangerous, so we make it our business to get out to the customer immediately. If we can’t carry out the repair there and then, we will tow it back to the workshop and get that customer back on the road as quickly as possible.”
Of course, Barry’s success would be unachievable without a loyal workforce and he admits that he is lucky to have a good team around him at the moment.
“I’m fortunate to have some great people around me. We’re all hands-on and work well together as a team. Our priority at all times is to do every job properly and to the best of our ability. This way, owners can rest assured that they are getting their vehicles back in prime running order.”
Barry’s father Gerry is now retired but is still involved, collecting parts for the business.
He concludes by saying: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank our customers for their continued support. Every customer, regardless of their size, is treated the same. We are proud to be a one-stop shop for all their repair and maintenance needs.”
Contact Details:
Barry Leech Plant Repair & Services
Clonlost,
Killucan,
Co Westmeath
Tel: 087 2662246
First published in Irish Tractor & Agri magazine Vol 9 No 4, July/August 2021
Barry Leech Plant Repair & Services
