AGE Ltd helps Scania to keep cool

Despite being in existence for just four years, AGE Ltd has established itself as one of Ireland�s leading suppliers of garage equipment. Managing director Willie Barry explains more.

Scania dealers across the country will no longer be getting hot under the collar now that they have acquired the latest in automotive air conditioning service equipment from one of Ireland’s leading suppliers, Co. Cork-based AGE Ltd.
Established in 2003, AGE (Automotive Garage Equipment) supplies an extensive range of quality garage equipment to the Irish market. The company is a nationwide distributor of such reputable brands as Robin Air, Texa, Nextech Diagnostics Systems, Heta and Rotary and has an ever-expanding customer base in Ireland.
“We specialise in garage equipment and much of our business comes from truck and haulage companies,” explains AGE founder and managing director Willie Barry.

“The biggest demand for our air conditioning equipment comes from mechanics and anyone that carries out repairs to vehicles, be they trucks, buses, tractors or cars. Our list of clients is growing all the time and obviously this contract with Scania is a big one for us to get,” he adds.
Scania decided to enlist the services of AGE Ltd because of the company’s ability to provide them with expert advice, training and back-up service regarding the world renowned Robin Air AC650 Pro air conditioning machine.
Working together to ensure all relevant staff received adequate training, it was agreed to deliver each machine and provide on-site training on the day of delivery. For many years, Robin Air have been developing and improving the way automotive air conditioning is serviced and has been the number one choice for manufacturers the world over, including Renault, Nissan, Mercedes Benz, Ford and Jaguar.

Their latest range of models not only have a database of information regarding gas quantities for different car manufactures, but also detailed information on oil types and recommended quantities for replacement parts. On board diagnostics is now also available to pinpoint faults in air con systems, making faults easier to solve.
The AGE-Scania partnership came about following a chance meeting between Willie and the owners of Westward Scania Ltd, Strokestown. Co. Roscommon at the Coach & Bus Show in the RDS earlier this year.
Willie recalls: “We both had a stand at the Show and that’s where the initial contact with Scania was made. I spoke to Andy Whelan and Michael Cuddy of Westward Scania and they arranged for a demonstration in Paddy O’Mahony’s in Tipperary.
“All the Scania dealers from around the country were present at the demo and were impressed with our service and the Robin Air machine. It was the machine they wanted and we were delighted to be in a position to supply it to them.”
Robin Air is the choice of most truck dealerships in Ireland. The basic semi-automatic model costs EUR3,500 with the top-of-the-range fully automatic model coming in at EUR6,500.

“The fully automatic is a super machine and comes complete with database, printer and on board diagnostics. Demand for our machines is especially high in the summer time when the weather is that bit warmer. Each machine must be serviced at least every two years and we are happy to do that,” Willie explains.
AGE Ltd offers a friendly, efficient service and prides itself on its excellent repair and back-up service.
“Every product we sell, we personally deliver it,” Willie says. “And any warranty or repair work is carried out on site which means that the machine doesn’t have to be moved. If there is a problem with a machine, we will have no hesitation in replacing it.
“As all our air conditioning machines are completely portable, we’re able to bring them to you for a demonstration. We cover the whole country.”

A native of Cork city, Willie had worked in car, tool and audio video sales before setting up AGE Ltd in Quartertown Industrial Estate, Mallow in 2003. Unsurprisingly, he believes his previous experience in sales has stood him in good stead.
Recalling how he came to the decision to branch out on his own, he says: “An opportunity arose and I took it. The franchises for Robin Air, Texa and Heka brake testing systems were available to me and I decided to take them on. I then became an agent for Space Lifting and Wheel Alignment Systems and the company has grown from there.”
Willie is on the road full-time, covering the southern and eastern parts of the country. His area representative in the west and midlands is Niall Delaney, who is operates out of Sligo. Based in Mallow are Geraldine Buckley, who is responsible for telesales and administration, and Peter ? from Poland, who is employed as store manager.

Texa also offer a fantastic range of diagnostic and air conditioning equipment, smoke and gas box analysers, and AGE Ltd are proud to have been chosen as the company’s Irish distributor. With a complete range of products, all offering quality software and hardware solutions, there is one to suit you.
AGE Ltd are also distributors for Nextech, Rotary, Stenhoj, Space and Midtronics to name but a few. Specialising in the Japanese car market, Nextech’s carman scan tools provide economical and comprehensive solutions for Japanese vehicles. To fully address their customer’s needs, AGE also supply and fit Rotary and Stenhoj lifts.
All of the equipment available from AGE is of the highest quality, with a complete range of all products, from budget to top-of-the-range.
For further information on AGE Ltd and its full range of products and services, contact Willie Barry on 087-9172409.