Kereen still going strong

Providing a quality and reliable service to a loyal customer base has resulted in Kereen Quarries Ltd continuing to trade successfully during these difficult times.

The Cummins farmily has worked hard to ensure the business continues to be successful. From, l/r: Michael Cummins Jnr, Michael Cummins, Maurice Cummins, James Cummins

Managing Director Michael Cummins believes that their desire to maintain high standards is part of the reason that the company is still going strong after over half a century in business. Michael spoke to Irish Trucker about the current situation and how their ethos to look after all sizes of customers has stood them in good stead.
Based in Dungarvan, Co Waterford, Kereen Quarries Ltd has what some might describe as a small customer base, but Michael is more than happy to keep it that way.

“We’ve always placed a great emphasis on looking after all our customers and providing top quality products, ever since my late father James set up the business over a quarter of a century ago. The company never grew too big and we never spent beyond our means, although the equipment here is always kept relatively new,” said Michael.
“With that, we have always been able to stay afloat and continue trading. There is plenty more years work left in the quarry and as long as the customers need our products, we will be able to supply them.”

Kereen has many regular customers including local builders and the Waterford County Council, with who they have been supplying for many years now. Specialising in crushed stone, the company supplies all of the county as well as part of Cork.
“The work with Waterford County Council has really kept us going and it is something that we are grateful for. Indeed, we are grateful to all our customers and I would like to thank them for their custom over the years.”
Two years ago, saw Michael purchase a new XA400 pixon stone crusher from Powerscreen Ltd and two screeners from McCloskey International Ltd in a bid to maintain their level of consistency for supplying a quality product on time.
“You have to ensure that all the machinery is in good working order as downtime is something that the customers don’t want to hear about. That is why we keep the fleet up to date. All the machinery is well maintained, while we buy our trucks from McCarthy Commercials in Watergrasshill.

Another load sets off for delivery

“All of these are Volvo eight-wheelers – two 00 FM10 360s; two 01 FM12 380s, two FM460s; a 2005 FM13 480 and a 07 FM400, while we also purchased a FM12 420 Artic 400.
“Volvo is a very reliable truck and they are also very comfortable and driver-friendly. I see no reason to use anything else. Also, McCarthy’s of Watergrasshill give the best back-up service in the country as far as I’m concerned. We have been doing business with them for many years now and they provided an excellent service during those years.”
Michael is in no doubt that retention is the key to a safe passage through this current economic crisis and he doesn’t feel that there is any need for expansion in the future.

“It’s something that we wouldn’t be interested in doing. There has been a lot of money invested in the business over the last few years and with the way things are there is no real need to invest anymore. In saying that if I feel there is a need for the machinery to be updated, then that will go ahead, but regards expansion, we’re not looking to grow any bigger.

Volvo is the preferred choice of truck for Kereen Quarries

“My attitude has always been that if you’re going to do something then you might as well do it right. That approach has served us well so we’ll continue in that way. As long as things remain busy, we’re happy enough to keep running the quarry as it is.”
All good companies need a good staff and Michael is fortunate have that in abundance. The majority of the employees have been with the firm form many, many years and this is a good reflection on both the employer and the employee.

John Mansfield and Billy Walsh had been driving for Kereen Quarries for many years but recently retired, while most of the other drivers are also long-serving employees. Pat Dunne, Johnny Barry, Stephen Ronan, Pat Nugent, Mike Nugent, Pat Cliffe and Noel McGrath also make valuable contributions to the day-to-day existence of this Waterford company.
Three of Michael’s sons – James, Maurice and Michael Jnr. – are also involved in the family business, as is his wife Helena, who works in the office alongside Ann Crowley (another long-time member of staff).

A new screener S130 was purchased from McCloskey International Ltd

“Yeah, we’re very fortunate to have such a loyal workforce as it means that there are no changes to the personnel. All the customers would know the drivers extremely well and this helps build a good relationship.”
Michael and his team know what it takes to run a successful business and the motto of ‘why fix it when it’s not broken’ certainly applies to this business. They will continue to supply the businesses and local authority of the Waterford and Cork areas with all ranges of crushed stone for many years to come.
“As long as we can continue what we are doing I see no reason why anything should have to change. Business is steady and with the way things are, sure that is a major achievement in itself. We have competitive prices as well and that certainly counts for a lot at the moment, especially in this business,” he concluded.