Plantman - October Editorial -
Pirtek goes from strength to strength in Ireland
Press release date: 10 July 2007
At the forefront are a host of improvements to the service customers will receive, a new licensee for the Dublin South Centre, the growth of the business in Waterford and major projects with leading national customers.
Dublin-based businessman Ken Robertson has taken control Pirtek Dublin South promising an even wider and more efficient service for both new and existing customers. Originally opened in 1994, Dublin South was the first Pirtek site in Ireland.
It now employs 10 people and operates 6 mobile service units - combining to deliver Pirtek’s service pledge of Anytime. Anywhere. ETA one hour." In addition to the area of the city south of the river Liffey the depot also covers the counties of Kildare, Wicklow, Laois and Offaly.
Callouts reaching distances of up to 75 miles from the centre are handled by Mobile Sales & Service Technicians based across the region. Customers include Jungheinrich, Castle Mechanical, McCormack McNaughton, Select Plant, Wirtgen and PJ Edwards.
Ken is looking forward to expanding his new operation and starts out with an experienced team. He said: "I am embarking on the venture with a little trepidation but a great deal of excitement. I first became aware of Pirtek through an advert a couple of years ago and have since recognised it as an extremely good opportunity. The business to business aspect appeals and the concept really impresses me - providing an essential service to a diverse customer base."
In line with Pirtek’s national roll out across Ireland, Pirtek Dublin South is also introducing the new Pirtek Information Technology Solution - designed to streamline the order process for its customers, engineers and trade centres alike. The new integrated communications and order processing system maximises the latest mobile technology to deliver total job completion - from order to invoice - in as little as three hours.
Ken Robertson: "Working with my team, I plan to drive the businesses forward, delivering the emergency response our customers have come to expect but now giving them far more in terms of the additional services which Pirtek can provide. We can’t wait to welcome new and existing customers."
Another customer with whom Pirtek Dublin South has been working in partnership is GPT Plant & Tool Hire. GPT operates 10 depots across Ireland and uses Pirtek’s 24-hour emergency hydraulic hose replacement service virtually on a daily basis to keep its substantial fleet up and running. GPT comprises construction and access divisions with bases in Donegal, Sligo, Cavan, Drogheda, Dublin, Limerick, Carlow, Waterford, Cork and its headquarters in Galway.
The extensive fleet includes telescopic handlers, tracked excavators, compaction rollers, site dumpers, road sweepers and a full range of access equipment up to 27 metres in reach. Its diverse selection of products is hired out to a range of customers including local authorities and leading construction firms across Ireland. From its 6 Irish centres - which closely mirror the GPT network - Pirtek provides the company with a complete on-site repair service around the clock.
Michael Woulfe, branch manager of GPT Dublin said: "In truth we have investigated handling our own on-site hydraulic repairs, but we would never be able to match the Pirtek service or value. "They provide a specialist solution, which eradicates the issues we would have on national coverage, the cost of replacement stock, specific expertise and importantly, all their work is carried out with an emphasis on the latest health and safety procedures."
Capitalising on the extensive development of Ireland’s infrastructure, the business of Pirtek Waterford is also expanding rapidly. Opened in XXXX, the last two years has seen major growth as the city of Waterford continues to develop significantly. Turnover has more than doubled during the period and in 2006 alone, the centre has taken on a fourth van and will put a fifth on the road in November.
Pirtek Waterford carries out work for leading customers in the construction, industrial and agricultural sectors. With an unrivalled fleet on the road, it is well placed to capitalise on the current construction boom in the city. Latest projects include emergency on-sire support to Ascon and Spanish firm Drogados, the contractors responsible for the new ring road being developed around Waterford - which incorporates over 30km of new dual-carriageway.
Licensee Pat Murphy said: "We are delighted with the expansion we have experienced over recent months. Putting our fifth van on the road is a significant milestone which will allow us to deliver customers an even more responsive service than they are used to. We are also looking to develop the other aspects of our business and will be extending our premises, enabling us offer a hydraulic ram repair service."