Providing universal cladding solutions to the agricultural, industrial and commercial sectors, Irish Rollforming Ltd. has made tremendous strides since its inception in January, 2010. We took a trip to the Cork company’s state-of-the-art, fully-certified manufacturing facility on the outskirts of Mallow to get an insight into day-to-day operations from sales & marketing manager Barry O’Neill.
Irish Rollforming Ltd. is a wholly Irish-owned company which manufactures and supplies Department of Agriculture and CE-approved roofing & cladding, sheeting and purlins nationwide, as well as flashings and gutters.
Guaranteeing a rapid manufacturing and delivery service at competitive prices, the vastly-experienced team cuts each individual order precisely in accordance with exact customer requirements. In the space of six years, the County Cork based operation has established an excellent reputation supplying grant-approved raw materials used in the construction of farm sheds and agri buildings, whilst also servicing the commercial and light industrial sectors.
Having previously fronted Liam O’Sullivan Engineering, directors Liam and Dolores O’Sullivan realised in ’09 that, due to the impact of the economic downturn, they would need to diversify. They identified a niche in the market for a cladding manufacturer that could supply sheets cut to order at a reasonable price as well as delivering these at short notice. Irish Rollforming Ltd. was born, specialising in the production of high-quality box and corrugated sheeting.
Liam and Dolores believe the Irish farming community deserves a company that can give 100% at all times and have shaped Irish Rollforming accordingly. To complement existing products, they soon started manufacturing gutters, flashings and purlins along with other accessories. Thus, all elements of a single skin building’s envelope, excluding structural steel, can be purchased in one transaction, with Irish Rollforming Ltd. having established itself as a genuine one-stop shop.
All sheeting is stamped to ensure full traceability. Last year, in keeping with its total commitment to absolute quality and customer service, Irish Rollforming achieved CE certification and ISO 9001:2008 accreditation. Turnaround time is two days for sheeting, while a same-day service is available for flashings. From a purpose-built, 15,000 sq ft premises in Bweeng, an affordable nationwide delivery service is offered.
Reflecting on the genesis of the business, sales & marketing manager Barry O’Neill notes: “Liam comes from a strong engineering background, having constructed farm sheds and agri buildings as well as other products for up to 20 years. The gap he spotted in the market was specifically for a very service-based manufacturer. Service levels are very strong here and we also have a very short lead time from when an order comes in until the products are delivered.”
The fact that Liam and Dolores have grown the business – largely through a recession – to the point where gainful employment is currently generated for a team of 24 speaks for itself!
Regarding the product range, Barry adds: “We manufacture roof cladding materials, flashings, guttering and galvanised steel purlins. Our primary customer base comprises contractors and some agri merchants / distributors, while we also sell a small amount directly to farmers.
“We don’t supply the frame, but everything that is required for the skin of the building. We also supply accessories on a wholesale basis to ensure that the builder has everything that’s required.”
As for the age-old challenge of striking the optimum balance between quality and price, Irish Rollforming leaves no stone unturned in ensuring that the quality of its products cannot be surpassed. “Obviously, value and quality are both important,” Barry accepts. “That’s what customers demand. Since the beginning, we have placed a major emphasis on quality. Because of the systems we have in place, with full certification and traceability of the products back to our suppliers, as well as various other structures and procedures across the company, we can ensure the highest quality.
“We also have competitive pricing, but our focus is definitely on product quality and customer service. Unlike our larger competitors, we take orders over the phone, by email or by fax. We have an experienced customer service team and we do everything possible to accommodate our customers in every way possible.” Little wonder the Cork-based manufacturer has already secured orders from every corner of the island!
Seeing as it’s now firmly established as Ireland’s leading cladding manufacturer, it’s hard to believe that Irish Rollforming Ltd. is a relatively young company that started life during very difficult times economically. Looking to potential growth in the medium term, Barry states: “Primarily, our key market is agriculture, but we’re hoping to expand more into commercial and light industrial. We’ve already done some work in these sectors and we feel there could be more openings there. Having CE-certification will enable us to go into that market in a bigger way. We’re also currently looking at adding some new products to the product line.
“Obviously, we will do that without neglecting our agri customers. Repeat business has been a critical factor behind our growth and we will continue to give agriculture our utmost attention. Not only are all the products manufactured to the customer’s exact needs but we also offer advice with regards to best practice and are completely flexible in everything we do, including delivery.
“We stand over all of our products and we make sure that every customer is a happy customer.”
It’s certainly been a winning formula thus far – and one gets the distinct impression that Irish Rollforming is only getting warmed up!
Irish Rollforming Ltd.,
Bweenglacht Bweeng,
Mallow,
County Cork.
Tel: 21-7333987
Email: [email protected]
www.irishrollforming.ie
Taken from Irish Tractor & Agri magazine Vol 4 No 2, February 2016
