ESR defy the odds

The haulage industry has many different areas and all are important in order to keep operations running smoothly. In this fickle business, it is of the utmost importance to keep downtime to a minimum. Companies like ESR acknowledge this fact and their policy is built around it.

Eamon poses for the camera on front of one of his vans

Eamon Slattery is the managing director of ESR, a company that specialises in the repair and maintenance of tail-lifts, while they are also main dealers in the East for Palfinger tail-lifts.

Based on the Blessington Road, Kilbride, the company has been established for the past four years and although many felt that it would be near impossible to make a living in this area, Eamon has proved his doubters wrong.
“It has taken a lot of hard work over the last few years, but we now have built up a large customer base, which includes 60 clients,” said Eamon.
Experience is vital in this industry and Eamon had that in abundance as he set about establishing his own firm, although he admits that the early days were tough.

The ESR team work hard to provide an excellent service. From l/r: Geraldine McMulkin, Eamon Slattery, Bernard Slattery and Declan Kennedy

“When I left Ballinlough Refrigeration where I had worked for a number of years repairing and installing tail-lifts, I decided to set up on my own doing similar work. Fortunately I had a few contacts in the business, who gave me the chance to work for them and I will always appreciate that and would like to thank all my customers for their support over the years.
“I got a loan of my father’s van and started from there. Luckily, I got more work through ‘word of mouth’ and have built the company from there. The early days were tough in that sometimes it was hassle in getting paid, but that is something to be expected,” he added.

Geraldine McMulkin is there to answer you calls and any queries a customer may have

ESR now stock the full range of Palfinger tail-lifts including the PBS 500/750, PBS 1000/ 1500/ 2000, PBS 1010 / 1510, PTG-L 500/750, PTG 1500S / 2000L, PTG-S 2000/ 2500/ 3000 PTG-R 1500/2000.
Palfinger was established in 1932 and the company has been for many years among the leading international manufacturers of hydraulic lifting, loading and handling systems. As a multinational company group with its headquarters in Salzburg, Austria, PALFINGER has production and assembly sites in Europe, in North and South America as well as in Asia.
Over the years the product portfolio has been steadily expanded with products such as the Crayler mounted forklift, the Ratcliff and Palgate tail-lifts and the Bison truck mounted aerial work platform.

Without doubt, the Palgate compact unit sets standards in the market segment for tail-lifts: The Palfinger system guarantees unique stability and gentle movements within the lifting area by deploying the power exactly where it is needed. What's more, PALGATE has extremely compact installation dimensions.
The design of the arms reduces the need for recesses on the truck platform edge. Its easy handling permits short loading and unloading times. Parallel guidance ensures that the incline angle of the truck is largely equalised. And all this with a stability and reliability that is unique on the current market.

ESR Ltd MD Eamon Slattery inspects the latest stock of 1 1/2 and 2 ton Taillifts, Canterlebers and aluminium and steel platforms

“We fit and supply Palfinger tail-lifts and have the full range of products, while we are a nationwide business that works 24/7. We have a great relationship with Palfinger that we hope to continue for some time to come,” said Eamon
ESR has one motto, but it is one that is so important to all hauliers. “We get the job done quickly,” stressed Eamon. “That is the whole purpose of the business. When a customer calls us, they can be assured that we will be there as quickly as possible. We have a fully stocked service van to cater for the majority of problems and no customer can say that ESR is too slow.”
The company supply both new and second hand tail-lifts depending on the customers’ requirements and Eamon admitted that the aim of the company is too push forward.

With a staff of five, ESR give the personal touch to all their customers, which is an important aspect of any business as all their clients can feel comfortable in the knowledge that they are receiving a reliable and efficient service.

Men at work. Eamon, Declan and Bernard prepare for fitting a new 1 1/2 ton Palfinger low maintenance slider

“Our aim is to move ahead and be recognised by our rivals. We have worked hard to establish the business and I’m happy with the way things have developed. We will continue to work hard as this is still really only the start.
“The company provides a quality service and having a full range of parts stocked at all times means that customers can rely on use to be efficient and get the job done as quickly as possible.

“The haulage industry is built on the premise that the less downtime, the more work can be done. This is why we pride ourselves on swiftly doing a job.”
“Customers want a quality product at a reasonable price and they know that they will get that from us. This is a tough business and you have to stay ahead of your competitors.”