Established in 2010, Albrim Ltd is a leading provider of farm and industrial buildings in the Midlands and beyond. Founder and managing director Roy Fairbrother explains more about his Coolrain, Co. Laois-based business which continues to go from strength to strength.
Based in the heart of Ireland, Albrim Ltd is a one-stop shop for all your farm and industrial building requirements. The company is renowned for its expertise in steel fabrication and erection, and prides itself on providing a quality, friendly, reliable and value-for-money service. Roy and his 10-strong team of highly-skilled steel fabricators and steel erectors offer a wide range of farm and industrial buildings, all of which are manufactured to the highest standard.
“Our business is 80% industrial and 20% farm,” reveals Roy, who has over 30 years’ experience in constructing farm buildings.
“We’re doing more and more bespoke fabrication and recently invested in new CNC equipment, including a plasma cutter, press brake and guillotine to cater for the demand. We’ve also taken delivery of a new JCB telehandler from PW Plant Sales in Kells, Co. Meath. With the trend being towards full-time manufacturing, we’re trying to keep things in a controlled environment, i.e. in our own yard and workshop, as much as possible.
“Over the years, our industrial work has outgrown our farm work, but that’s not to say we don’t make a great, long-lasting farm building. We do, and have the portfolio to prove it. We not only provide our customers with an excellent product, but also a first-class service from concept to completion.”
Albrim Ltd can fabricate and erect any size of building to your design, or assist you in designing it to suit your exact needs. If you prefer to erect your own shed, the company can cut and supply fabricated steel and accessories to order. Only the very best products go into making an Albrim Ltd building notes Roy, who goes on to list his main suppliers:
“Our sheeting, flashings and purlins come from Irish Roll Forming in Cork. We buy our steel and hardware from Irish International Trading in Naas. RFL Steel in Naas also supply us with steel and Kingspan insulation panels. KWS (Kilkenny Welding Supplies) supply us with consumables and welding equipment, while Castle Paints in Tullamore and Sperrin Galvanisers in Tynagh, Co. Galway are two other suppliers we deal with on a regular basis.”
Albrim Ltd is a certified supplier of CE marked structural steel to the requirements of EN 1090 up to and including Execution Class 2 (EXC2), which covers the fabrication of all farm and industrial buildings, and structural steel used in general construction. Since July 2014, under the Construction Products Regulations (CPR), it has been a legal requirement that fabricated structural steelwork delivered to construction sites must be CE certified.
“Anyone who isn’t CE certified shouldn’t be in this business. Farmers can’t apply for grant aid if they’re not dealing with a CE certified company,” Roy points out.
The Co. Laois operation boasts a large and loyal clients-base in both the farming and commercial sectors. Regular clients include O’Toole Compost in Ballon, Co. Carlow, Strawchip Ltd in Athy, Enrich Environmental in Summerhill, Co. Meath, Coolrain Sawmills in Derrynaseera, Co. Laois, Alpha Drives in Portlaoise, PJ Byrne Bespoke Joinery in Ballyadams, Co. Laois, Irish Rail in Portlaoise, Goff’s in Kill, Co. Kildare and Allwood Architectural Joinery in Ballymacken, Co. Laois.
“We’re currently building a compost facility for Enrich Environmental and also have a job on for Alpha Drives, who build components and drives for Siemens,” Roy says.
“Our biggest farm project at the moment is in Clareen, Co. Offaly where we’re extending a slatted shed which is nine spans long. We’re fortunate to have some great customers who have stuck with us through thick and thin. We enjoy an excellent working relationship with all of our clients and will gladly go the extra mile for them when they need us to.
“Our ability to deliver projects on time and within the agreed budget is borne out by the high volume of repeat business and referrals we receive from satisfied customers.”
From humble beginnings in the middle of a recession, Albrim Ltd has become a thriving and highly-regarded business.
“I’m a qualified draughtsman and when I finished my studies, I came home to Coolrain and bought my own land. I was involved in another partnership for 16 years before going out on my own. Thankfully, everything worked out and I haven’t had any regrets,” explains Roy, who is married to Muriel and whose 15-year-old son, Dean, is showing a keen interest in the business.
In summary, Albrim Ltd is committed to providing a top-quality product and service at the most competitive price. All of its buildings are solid, secure, attractive in appearance and are built to last a lifetime.
The affable Laois man would like to take this opportunity to thank his customers and suppliers for their continued support, and his staff for their hard work, dedication and skill.
“Our people are our biggest asset and have played a big part in our growth to date,” he concludes.
Albrim Ltd
Coolrain,
Portlaoise,
Co Laois.
Telephone: 087 987 4340
First published in Irish Tractor & Agri magazine Vol 9 No 6, November/December 2021
