Kavanagh’s move with the times

The days of when mechanics relied on their toolbox to fix a mechanical problem is almost at an end as the changing face of the industry sees that a good knowledge of diagnostics is needed to repair all vehicles.

Paul has worked hard to build a successful business

Paul Kavanaghs VTN Centre is located at Platin, Duleek in Co. Meath and has been in operation for the past 30 years. The business has seen many changes during that period. Company director Paul Kavanagh took over the reins from his father Noel who retired earlier this year and he explains to Irish Trucker about how the business has moved with the times.

DOE testing has been replaced by the Vehicle Testing Network (VTN) as part of an EU Directive introduced in 2004.Vehicle Test Manager (VTM) is widely used throughout Ireland for the testing of commercial HGV and LGV vehicles under the VTN.
When Kavanagh’s first began operating way back in 1977, they initially specialised in truck repairs and breakdowns. At the time, the volume of trucks on the road was not as heavy as is today. D.O.E testing was introduced a few years later, but the tests were not as stringent then, while the age of the trucks being tested was much older. Kavanagh’s built up a successful business in the early years, however, as Paul revealed the company was forced to move with the times and has undergone a major transition since then and now they concentrate solely on VTN testing, tachograph calibration and chasis plates.

Kavanagh�s Vehicle Testing Centre

"These days there are far more commercial vehicles and cars on the roads and so we are kept busy all the time. The trucks have to meet certain standards and the tests are run to a very high standard."
Kavanagh’s are known to offer an excellent service down through the years and it is no surprise to hear that the business is generally busy all year round as the amount of trucks being tested increases by the year.
The VTN centre is customer friendly and every effort is made to ensure customer satisfaction. Their staff are knowledgeable and will answer any queries before and after the test.

With state-of-the-art technology to help improve their quality of work and any failure will be found down to the very last percent, while they always keep up to the most modern standards.
“We have recently upgraded the premises at the cost of €100,000 and this saw everything from the testing, the pits and digital readings changed. It was a big outlay, but you just have to move with the times and we had to do so.

Colin McShane operates the Light Vehicle testing machine

“The two bays have been extended and we specialise in heavy and light commercials. Gone are the days of getting the tool box out to do a job as all tests are carried out by computer. Indeed, even the pen is becoming obsolete as everything is printed out.
“We operate two separate testing bays, one for heavy vehicles and one for light vehicles. The light vehicle DOE test applies to all vans, light trucks and 4x4’s which can be driven on a modern car licence with a maximum gross vehicle weight of 3,500kgs. The heavy vehicle DOE test applies to all trucks, buses, etc. above 3,500kgs gross vehicle weight.

Paul admitted that to keep up with the changes his staff takes part in refresher courses twice a year, which are essential to the future of the business.
“The legislation is changing all the time, so it is essential that these courses are taken. There are plenty of them and they usually are run by SIMI in Dublin.”
The new Vehicle test centre carries out vehicle testing inspections on behalf of the Department of Transportation. The equipment used is compatible with all new European Communities (EC) regulations and is state-of-the-art, modern technology, used by professional, certified and experienced technicians.

Kavanagh�s VTN personel from l/r: Colin McShane, Joey White, Paul Kavanagh and Stephen Kavanagh

Kavanagh’s VTN Test Centre has a staff of ten and each are highly trained and efficient in their work, while Paul admits that the staff play a major part in the business being so successful.
“We’re fortunate to have a reliable staff and they are highly trained in their field. Without them the company would not be where it is today and hopefully we can continue to build for the future.”
Kavanagh’s have a large customer base that covers part of Meath and the surrounding counties. Not only does the business specialise in VTN, but they also carry out repair work.

Paul is highly trained to operate the technology needed

“The business was initially started as a mechanics and we continue to that type of work. We have many customers who have been with us for years and we hope to have their service for many more years.”
After such a massive outlay on upgrading the premises, it is not surprising to learn that Paul is happy to continue trading as things are, although he has not ruled out further expansion in the future.

“Business is good at the moment and having spent such a vast amount on it recently means that we have no further plans to expand, but in saying that you have to move with the times in this game and if there is something that we need then we will go out and get it.”
Kavanagh’s are not afraid of change and Paul knows that to be successful in this trade, you have to be ready to spend money in order to make it. The future looks very bright indeed for this well-established firm.