30 years a-growing

McIvor Engineering prides itself on being Ireland’s leading specialists in industrial and agricultural buildings. The thriving Co. Tyrone-based company is headed up by Barry McIvor, who recently took time out from his busy schedule to talk to Irish Trucker & Light Commercials.

McIvor Engineering is celebrating 30 years in business

Is your company thinking of constructing a new repair centre, industrial unit or warehouse? If so, a phone call to McIvor Engineering would be well worth your while.
Ireland’s number one specialists in high-quality industrial and agricultural buildings and roller shutter doors, McIvor Engineering have carried out numerous contracts for haulage and transport companies down the years. This family-run business takes great pride in its work and only uses the best products and materials to ensure that they create a product that is designed to last.
“We have an excellent reputation in the structural fabrication sector. Our work is carried out to the highest standards and at the keenest prices,” says managing director Barry McIvor.

“The company has been operating for the past 30 years, so we have a wealth of experience behind us. We have worked with dozen of companies throughout Ireland, including a number of haulage firms. They are among our best customers and I’d like to think we have and continue to provide them with a top-class service.”
McIvor Engineering can count the following transport and truck maintenance companies among their list of satisfied customers: James Kernohan & Sons, Randalstown; Dumfries Freight, Newry; Bradley Transport, Buncrana; Eagle Overseas Transport, Banbridge; Allan Logistics, Moira, Co. Armagh; Kevin McDevitt International, Letterkenny; Dan O’Hare Truck Maintenance, Newry; Tony Gallagher Milk Collection Transport, Newtownstewart; Scott Robinson Forestry Trailers, Portarlington. They are currently building a new repair centre for John Toal in Middletown, Co. Armagh.

Barry and Pat McIvor outside their premises in Newtownstewart, Co. Tyrone

“There can be no doubt that the haulage industry has played a huge part in our ongoing growth. They have given us a good turn in the past and we greatly value the business they have given us. We recently started that job for John Toal in Middletown and have just clinched a deal to build a new unit for the Galway Flying Club in Galway Airport which we will be starting shortly,” Barry adds.
As a company which offers its own transport service, McIvor Engineering have a major advantage over other engineering firms in that they can identify with haulage company’s specific needs.
“We’re around trucks all the time and, in fact, one of our general office staff Mark Neeson worked with Scania before he joined us, so that gives us a massive insight into the requirements of haulage firms,” Barry explains.

“We can design and build units to our customer’s specification and requirements. We have a great understanding of the truck environment and would take things like where to locate loading bays and room for tipping space into consideration when we are designing a unit or warehouse. We can cater for any size or any requirement.”
He continues: “We have three rigid lorries of our own, two Man and one Scania, so we are well versed in the transport business.”
Barry reveals that McIvor Engineering’s main customers in recent months have been farmers who are eager to avail of generous grants to build slatted sheds before the end-of-year deadline.
“The pressure is on at the moment to get our slatted shed contracts finished before the end of December. We’ve built slatted sheds in Monaghan, Cavan, Donegal and down as far as Longford and Westmeath. We’ve got a lot of work thanks to the grants scheme – it has given our business a great lift.”

Mark Neeson operating one of the new high-tech machine s at McIvor Engineering

Other projects recently carried out by McIvor Engineering include Foster’s Chocolate Factory and Desmond Simpson Tyres.
From humble beginnings, McIvor Engineering has grown into a thriving company, which employs 30 staff. Founded by Barry’s father Patrick McIvor, who is still involved in the day-to-day running of the business, McIvor Engineering was originally based in Adstraw, Co. Tyrone before moving to its current location at 17 Gortgranagh Road, Newtownstewart 20 years ago.

“We started off carrying out repairs to farm buildings and gradually branched into building industrial and agricultural units after that. Since relocating to Newtownstewart, which is about eight miles from Adstraw, we have improved our facilities and our premises is now state-of-the-art.”
Barry’s younger brother Paul is also involved in the business, having recently returned from a spell in Manchester. “We’re very proud of the fact that we’re a family-run business and Paul has brought something new to it since he returned from his time abroad.”

The company also specialises in the manufacture and supply of quality roller shutter doors, which are always ready for delivery. Patrick and Barry have invested heavily in new equipment and machinery down the years and recently purchased two new machines that are used in the making of roller doors and galvanise burlin for roofs. The company also recently took delivery of a combi-lift which Barry describes “as a useful and safe addition to our yard”.

Pat McIvor and Mark Neeson in the office of McIvor Engineering

He concludes by saying: “The purchase of the two new manufacturing machines is an investment in our future. We are well-known throughout Ireland for our high-quality industrial and agricultural buildings and doors, fantastic prices and excellent customer service, and we are committed to improving our service further in the coming years.”
To find out more about McIvor Engineering’s extensive engineering services and roller shutter doors, phone 0288 166 1103 or log onto the company’s website, www.mcivorengineering.co.uk