Ready to satisfy September 2009

The quarry industry is one of the oldest in the country, but like all walks of businesses, it has been hit by the current economic recession and during these times, it takes a lot of thought and hard work to ensure the safe future of a company.

Irish Trucker spoke to Shane Kerrigan of Leitrim based Kerrigan Quarries and the company managing director told us about the current state of the business, while he also spoke about his hopes for the future.
Kerrigan’s has been in operation since 1989. The quarry is located at Killargue, near Dromahair and the family run business initially specialised in producing quarried rock and all grades of crushed stone, but over the years, the company has expanded with the addition of a readymix plant that has been supplying concrete and concrete blocks to a large customer base since 2006.

At the time, the company invested huge money in setting up this division of the business, but Shane is happy with the way it has progressed and expanded during the intervening years.
“It was a big decision to make, but the building trade was going very well at the time. However, that has since taken a turn for the worst and we are just like everyone else, trying to keep our heads above water,” said Shane.
“In saying that things could be worse and thankfully we have a loyal customer base that keep us going and I would like to thank them for their support down through the years.

Kerrigan Quarries supply blocks to a large
customer base

“There has always been a great emphasis here on making sure that the customer is satisfied and that is something that my father Seamus believes in very strongly.
“Our customer base ranges from small private jobs to large builders and county councils. Everyone is treated the same and that has helped us maintain the customer base.”
The quality of the products supplied by Kerrigan’s can be reflected in some of the customers that they have on their books, which include some notable building firms as Sisk, Roadbridge and Rattigans.

Two years ago, Shane felt the need to reduce running costs and the purchase of one big stone crusher to replace the smaller ones went a long way to do this.
“There has been a huge overhaul of the plant in the last few years, while we have also employed a sales man to target a new market and I’m glad to say that is working out well. A Quality controller was also brought in improve the standard of our products and since we have been certified with the EN206 by the N.S.A.I.
“We are now more competitive in the market and the materials that we produce are second to none, so our customers know that they will get a quality product.”
The agricultural grants were a boost to the company as more and more farmers were installing slatted sheds and this arrived to coincide with the building boom. However, since then both have taken a turn for the worst and although Shane is keen to develop the business even further, he acknowledges that biding his time is the safest option at present.

Four bottle tankers fill up ready for delivery

“I think for the rest of 2009 anyway, it will just be a case of maintaining what we have. No one really knows how long this recession will last and it is hard to plan for the future, but there is a lot of stuff that I would like to do.”
All the plant is kept relatively new and Shane explained that this helps reduce maintenance costs and of course, the dreaded word in the quarry industry, downtime!
“We need the machinery running in perfect condition, in order to make quality products and to ensure on time delivery. That is why; we try to keep everything as new as possible. This saves on a lot of hassle.”

Of course like all successful businesses, a reliable and efficient staff is needed and Shane revealed that the employees are highly trained.
“The drivers are very good at their jobs and know the customers very well, which helps, while they are very good at keeping their trucks looking well,” Shane confirmed.

The yard is kept spotless to maintain health and safety standards

“At the quarry face we run the one big crusher along with a number of mobile screeners, producing nine grades of crushed stone in various sizes,” he added. “Our operators are working the machines every day, so they know them inside out. They know what work needs to be carried out, and when best to do it.”
The company, which has a waste collection permit, is also involved in demolition, site clearance, muck shifting and rock breaking with machines available for hire or contract ranging in size from 13 to 50 tonne.

Shane also believes it is important to support the local community and as much of the machinery and readymix trucks are bought in the surrounding area.
“We buy our trucks from Cawley Commercials and Colm Burns Commercials Ltd, both of who are located in Sligo. McHale Plant is another local company that we use also. It is something that we have always done and will continue to do so.”
This is a company that will most certainly win its battle against the recession. Speaking to Shane, you know he is a man driven to succeed and with such a steady workforce to aid him, there is no reason why they cannot achieve any of their goals over the coming years.