Enterprise Ireland
Annual Report and Accounts 2006
Annual Report and Accounts 2006
Enterprise Ireland-supported training and improvements in productivity at a Co. Monaghan waste baler manufacturer has helped give the green light for growth in international markets.
Mac-Fab Systems is one of the fastest growing baler manufacturers in Europe, with over 80 per cent of its €7 million turnover in 2006 resulting from sales in the UK and ten other European countries.
The Co. Monaghan company currently manufactures and markets 11 different models of baling presses for waste paper, cardboard, plastics, and other materials. The machines offer a complete waste management solution to customers in sectors such as hospitality, retail, industry and local government.
Aiming for 15 per cent growth in each of the next two years, Mac-Fab recently signed a deal to supply 400 balers to Marks & Spencer, and is already ahead of target in its UK market where growth reached 40 per cent within just six months.
Mac-Fab MD Gene McMahon says:
"We know what the customer wants and consequently have simplified our balers' features and designed the range to maximise durability and reliability. This is why we continue to grow."
Mac-Fab sells through a network of overseas distributors in all its markets. A central European sales manager, with a command of five different languages covers Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain.
With the UK, France, Spain and EU accession states offering strong potential Mac-Fab is ramping up productivity and competitiveness levels and working to expand its distribution network.
Enterprise Ireland recently supported the company under the Productivity Improvement Fund for investment in both capital acquisition and company-wide training. New equipment will improve the manufacturing process and increase productivity levels, while the entire staff of 40 is undergoing training to streamline stock control, admin, safety and all business processes.
Mac-Fab is also working in close collaboration with Enterprise Ireland's overseas office network.
Gene McMahon continues:
"The overseas teams have done a lot of work with us. They have given us an excellent overview of key markets and helped us to locate distributors that are right for the product."
The Carrickmacross company is one of a growing band of Irish companies sucessfully exporting waste management products and services.
www.macfab.com (link opens in a new browser window)
