When Gordon Hamilton decided to set up his own engineering business on the family farm in Castlederg, Co Tyrone, he did so with the knowledge of having many years’ experience in the industry.
Gordon had worked for many years with Finlay Hydra Screens in Omagh and his work with them took him all over the world, picking up more and more experience where he went.
GH Engineering was established in 1995 specialising in the manufacture of strong and reliable machinery for mainly the agricultural industry and indeed his excellent relationship with Finlay saw the quarry machine manufacture give Gordon his first work and this was to manufacture plates to carry rollers which support their conveyor belts. A project that Gordon and his team continue to this day.
The company manufactures all the machinery from its 22,000 sq/ft factory outside the town of Castlederg, and currently employs up to eight full time staff.
Gordon started out with the help of a DARD grant which helped build his first shed and begin the process of building the business.
“We started by making smaller agricultural equipment such as creep feeders for lambs, troughs and so on. The business just took off from there and in no time at all it seemed, we were designing and manufacturing trailers of all sizes and descriptions, progressing to tractor and loader attachments, post drivers, gates and railings and then lorry bodies.”
The machinery produced includes tub feeders, slurry tankers, trailers, sheep handling equipment and accessories.
GH Engineering use only the best materials, to design to the highest standards and manufacture using the latest technology The company has kept to the forefront of engineering excellence.
“From the outset, our aim has been to produce high quality products that are strong and durable. We feel that we are achieving that and this has enhanced our reputation and seen our customer base grow,” said Gordon.
“We are all very proud of this remarkable achievement which is credited to the company philosophy of using the best technology available to produce technologically advanced, top quality, highly durable farm machinery.
“Our in house design team uses the latest CAD software, so we can visualise the project before manufacturing commences ensuring that it will work for the practical application that it is being designed for.
“Once the design is finalised the parts are manufactured using plasma and laser cutting machinery shaped and welded together, before undergoing a painting process and then final assembly. At this point another machine leaves the factory.”
Gordon acknowledges that the competition for business means that it is imperative to move with the times and investment is always ongoing at GH Engineering.
“Like I said, we use all the latest technology to help manufacture our products, while all the employees are highly trained. All materials are to CE standard and sourced locally.”
Through the wide range of products manufactured, GH Engineering is a popular brand in Northern Ireland. Now with an ever expanding market, GH Engineering continues to prove that its products are the best on the market. With bespoke designing and individual customer needs taking into consideration, they can design and manufacture a machine to suit your requirements.
One of the most popular products manufactured by the firm is the tub feeder which is designed to mix the feedstuffs for your livestock with ease. From large bales of silage, straw and hay to precision cut silage and meal. Large Knives ensure fast and even chopping of fibrous material, while the auger mixers the whole ration to an even and fluffy mix. Built from the best materials heavy duty construction the GH Engineering Tub Feeder will mix consistently time after time.
The slurry tankers are manufactured using 6mm high quality steel. Internal implosion rings are fitted to all tanks and fitting to an 8mm full length chassis ensuring maximum support and balance. This enables spreading systems to be mounted to the Tank while maintaining the stability of the tank.
The GH Engineering Lorry bodies are manufactured to the highest standards to ensure years of service. Flatbed Bodies can come with beaver tail and ramps, crate sides and tool boxes.
The GH Engineering Livestock Lorry Bodies can be manufactured using box section or flats for the sides. They also produce flat bed and bale trailers which come in a range of sizes.
Silage trailers are also a popular product amongst the customers, while sheep handling equipment such as a sheep showering trailer and a sheep clipping trailer are manufactured.
All in all, Gordon is pleased with the direction of the business and although he has no immediate plans to expand, he is intent on delivering the same level of service and quality products that his customer base have become used too.
“We are happy enough with the business. The customer base is growing all the time and we would have a lot of repeat custom. Once, we continue to deliver the standard of products that we are renowned for, then I think we will be ok.”
Contact Details:
GH Engineering
12 Whitehouse Road,
Castlederg,
Co Tyrone,
Northern Ireland,
BT81 7PG
Email: [email protected]
Phone:
Tel: 028 8167 1240
Mob: 07710 064252
Taken from Irish Tractor & Agri magazine Vol 5 No 1, January/February 2017
