James Farren Steel Erection Ltd in Inishowen, Co. Donegal has been pricing and erecting farm buildings and industrial units for well over half a century. Renowned for its expertise in the fabrication and erection of structural steel, the second-generation family business provides a one-stop solution to a wide and varied customer-base.
Based in Tullyalley, Redcastle, the business was founded in 1968 by brothers James and Frank Farren before James’ son, also James, took over the running of it in 1997. James is supported by a small but dedicated team, while his wife Sharon, brother Brian and sons Mark and James are also involved. He has an array of equipment to carry out the work, including a JCB telehandler and Genie scissor lift, and enjoys an excellent relationship with clients and suppliers alike.
James Farren Steel Erection Ltd offers a range of farm and industrial buildings which are manufactured to the highest standards and to your exact requirements. Quality workmanship, attention to detail, value-for-money and a commitment to working closely with clients to deliver total satisfaction are the hallmarks of the Inishowen operation. Health & Safety is paramount, and never more so than since the Covid-19 pandemic. From concept to completion, the Farren team are with you every step of the way, ensuring that your new shed is built and designed to your specific needs.
The company’s ability to complete projects within the agreed time-frame and budget is borne out by the high volume of repeat business and referrals it receives from satisfied customers.
“We pride ourselves on not only providing a great product, but also a great service from start to finish,” James says.
“While our business is split 60/40 between farm and industrial buildings, we’re geared towards the farmer. We try to help them out as best we can when it comes to decisions with their buildings. We offer the best advice and build the shed that suits their needs. I’ve been in the business for 38 years and in that time, nearly all of our work has been secured through word of mouth and recommendations which speaks for itself.”
Covering the North-West for farm buildings and further afield for industrial units, James Farren Steel Erection Ltd is OMNI approved which demonstrates to customers that it is a certified supplier of CE marked structural steel to the requirements of EN 1090 to and including Execution Class 2 (EXC2), which covers the fabrication of all farm 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.
“Farmers can’t apply for grant aid if they’re not dealing with a CE certified company,” James points out.
“Having said that, we haven’t done a grant job in the last 18 months because of the amount of red tape involved for farmers. Our main customers in the agri sector are dairy and beef farmers. Dairy herds are a lot bigger than they used to be with the result that there is a greater need for housing them.”
Only the best products and materials go into making a Farren shed. The company’s main suppliers are Fleming for steel, Fabri-clad Engineering for steel roofing and cladding, Gusclad for sheeting, Donegal Fixings for steel fixings, K Whelan & Sons for welding supplies and McCool Sawmills for timber products.
“We deal with the same tried and trusted suppliers who we have built lasting relationships with over many years,” James adds.
Business is good at the moment for the Co. Donegal steel erection specialist which has completed projects on both sides of the Irish Sea.
“We’ve just started two cattle sheds outside Donegal town and are also building horse stables in Tipperary, Meath and Kildare. We’re doing a lot of stores, warehousing and sheds that are sheeted to the ground. They are popular with garage men because they are quick and easy to assemble.
“We finished a large garage in Birmingham for Allen Transport recently and also built horse stables over there. We’ll go wherever the work takes us,” the affable managing director explains.
Asked what the secret to his company’s success and longevity is, James replies: “It’s down to our good name and reputation in the business. We’re known by a lot of local farmers and we’re well in with agri contractors in the area too, so that’s a help as well, and the concrete men will tell the farmer about the steel men.
“We also work well as a team and there are men here with us since my father’s time. Two or three of my employees are here since 1996, so it’s been a tight unit down through the years and we work together very well.”
James is full of praise for his dedicated team of steel fabricators, welders and erectors.
“I’m very lucky to have good people working for me. They’ve been very loyal and can turn their hand to any job, which is important in this game.”
In summary, James Farren Steel Erection Ltd is committed to providing a top-quality product and service at the most competitive price. All of the buildings are solid, secure, attractive in appearance and are built to last.
James would like to take this opportunity to thank his customers and suppliers for their continued support as well as his staff for their hard work and expertise.
James Farren Steel Erection Ltd
Tullyalley,
Redcastle,
Inishowen,
Co. Donegal.
Mobile: 086 212 1717
First published in Irish Tractor & Agri magazine Vol 11 No 6, December 2023/January 2024
