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McKinstry: a byword for excellence
McKinstry Skip Hire Ltd. is a family-run concern that was established
in 1970 by Albert �Tiny� McKinstry. The founder is still very much involved
in the day-to-day running of the business, though his sons Darren and
Mark manage proceedings at the company�s Nutts Corner HQ.
McKinstry Skip Hire has developed into one of the largest waste management
organisations in the northern province, providing cost-effective solutions
to public and private sector waste producers. It has also expanded its
operation to include management of a fleet of transport vehicles and heavy
plant that complements its site clearance and earth moving operations.
An eye-catching client portfolio includes over 1,500 customers, the majority
of whom are active in the construction industry.
As a fully registered and licensed waste carrier, McKinstry Skip Hire
conducts all waste transfer operations in accordance with the Duty of
Care regulations. The directors are also in the process of developing
a state-of-the-art recycling facility at its 4-acre site at 81-83 Belfast
Road, Nutts Corner, Crumlin, County Antrim.
The comprehensive range of products and services provided includes: private,
commercial and industrial skip hire; full waste disposal services; disposal
of scrap metal; and a tipping service. In keeping with a strong commitment
to recycling, the company can also supply screened and unscreened topsoil,
cardboard, rubble, wood chippings, fines and scrap metal.
On site, McKinstry Skip Hire also boasts a picking station/transfer station.
Any waste that cannot be disposed of there and then will be brought to
one of their landfill sites in Ballymena or Belfast.
Skips are available for hire in a variety of sizes. A Midi Skip (4 cubic
yards) is used for general waste and is extremely popular with the private
sector. Conveniently, it can also be used for sites with restricted areas.
Builders Skips (6-8 cubic yards) are ideal for use on building sites or
in the home. They are available in lidded and lockable versions. The Jumbo
Skip (14-16 yards) is used predominantly for light materials (by shop
fitters etc.) and is unsuitable for heavy goods such as brick, rubble
or concrete.
Roll On Roll Offs are available in two sizes. Both are 20 foot long and
require plenty of room for delivery. The smaller one is still a generous
15-20 yards and is used in the industrial sector. It’s ideal for
builders with heavy materials. The larger 30-40 yard alternative is a
bin higher in sides and is ideal for light industrial waste. It is not
suitable for heavy waste.
All skips can be delivered anywhere in Northern Ireland.
McKinstry Skip Hire’s Mission Statement is to set a very high standard
of commitment towards all customers, with the objective of meeting each
specific requirement. The directors are committed to operating a Quality
Management system that is registered to the internationally recognised
Standard ISO 9000:2000.
In the early days, ‘Tiny’ got into tipper lorries and drew rock
as far afield as Cork and Tipperary. However he gradually became more
and more involved in skip hire and recycling. Some 90% of the work is
for the construction industry, with every corner of the province covered
for C&D waste, from Portrush to Enniskillen and everywhere in between.
At present, a team of 45 is employed by the Antrim-headquartered waste
management specialist, but the company is growing busier by the week and
the figures continue to rise.
McKinstry Skip Hire has just received planning permission for a brand
new state-of-the-art recycling centre, which it hopes to build this summer.
Recycling has been a key aspect of day-to-day operations for the past
twelve years and a wide array of Powerscreen equipment (crushers, shredders
etc.) is on site to ensure a smooth and efficient process.
A fleet of 30 lorries is on hand – as well as a few spares –
comprising skip lorries, tipper trucks and roll-on lorries. “We also
do some bulk injector work,” Darren notes. The company owns over
800 containers and not one of these was in the yard when Irish Trucker
visited. In keeping with the phenomenal growth of McKinstry Skip Hire,
over 100 new bins have been purchased since Christmas.
McKinstry Skip Hire operates from a dedicated four-acre site with its
own transfer station, which allows them to gather the skips into bulk
loads for transfer to landfill, if applicable. Of course, this is to be
avoided as much as possible. “As well as the obvious environmental
consideration, we also have to bear in mind the high cost of tipping,”
explains Darren, “Tipping in general now costs £55-£60
per tonne, which nobody could afford to pay. We are recycling 70% at the
minute and we’re really happy with that.
“None of the success we’ve had would be possible without the
staff. We’re fortunate to have a very good crew of dedicated personnel
here. We have some guys working with us for up to 18 years and that continuity
is very beneficial. We don’t have a big turnaround of staff and that
is good for morale. It also means that everybody knows exactly what they’re
doing and this in turn gives our customers peace of mind.”
Mark McKinstry looks after health and safety management, ensuring that
absolutely nothing is left to chance. The company is extremely thorough
and vigilant in this area of operation, remaining up-to-date on all legislation
and keeping a very close eye on all developments within the industry.
Incredibly, all the business generated has been through word of mouth.
Darren confirms: “We have no salesmen on the road and we have never
needed any. When we were switching over to a new computer system recently,
we realised that we have in excess of 1,500 customers on our books, which
was both surprising and satisfying. We treat them all equally, whether
they are large or small, whether they want one bin or 100.
“This is a competitive business but we are well-equipped. We’ve
bought four companies out in the past two years and we like to think we’re
in a strong position now, with a good product, proven expertise and a
proven track record.”
How important is it to be flexible with terms of collection and delivery
of skips? “When we send a skip out, we set a fair time limit. There’s
no schedule and we don’t apply any pressure. When a skip is full,
it’ll be collected when ready. We have four telephone lines here,
which are extremely busy all day long. People don’t ring in advance
for skips - nine times out of ten, they want them now.”
McKinstry Skip Hire Ltd
81-83 Belfast Road
Nuttscorner
Crumlin
Co. Antrim
BT29 4TL
Tel: 028 90 825362
Fax: 028 90 825696
Email: info@mckinstryskiphire.co.uk
Web: www.mckinstryskiphire.co.uk
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