Enterprise Ireland
Annual Report and Accounts 2007
Annual Report and Accounts 2007
Richard Keenan & Co has achieved sustained export success in 40 countries across five continents due to constant innovation, productivity improvements and R&D investment, but is now set to radically increase future growth.
Having built a global brand that represents originality and leadership, the Carlow-based manufacturer of livestock feeding systems and provider of allied nutritional support services is a highly successful player within the worldwide agricultural sector.
With over 20,000 farming customers around the globe, Keenan is the world’s second largest and Europe’s largest manufacturer of mixer wagons.
The cornerstone of the company’s success is an exceptional customer solution philosophy that has included the setting up of a nutritional consultancy division, Rumans, to provide customer access to best feeding practices, ensuring that the maximum benefits of the wagons are achieved.
From its inception Keenan has continuously invested in technology, animal nutrition, processes and people, and has introduced a string of engineering, nutritional and management innovations to its business and its market. These include the ‘knowledge agriculture’ and food alliances concepts, TQM management principles, a Centre of Engineering Excellence and an internationally respected Scientific Advisory Board.
As part of a strategy to maintain its world-leading position Keenan completed a major €8 million investment programme in 2007, supported by Enterprise Ireland. This involved the opening of a new world-class manufacturing facility and the launch of the Keenan Hi-Fibre System, a scientifically approved animal feeding technology which has massive worldwide sales potential.
This latest Keenan innovation provides major benefits in farm profitability, animal health, methane reduction and consistent quality food production. CEO Gerard Keenan has ambitions to dramatically scale up his company’s revenues on the back of the new system. “Uptake is very strong, and we are now ready across all areas to roll this out globally, including licenses and franchises,” says the CEO. “Hi-Fibre is a strong technical platform for future growth and for creating a host of new revenue streams from right across the food chain, including food processors, retailers and producers. Enterprise Ireland is a very important partner which has consistently brought new thinking, new technology and market capability to us. Its overseas teams are likely to play a major role in assisting Keenan in finding new business partners for this very important development.”
Keenan currently employs 250, including 90 overseas and 40 involved in the nutrition division. Turnover reached €50 million in 2007, with 80 per cent of this derived from export activity.
www.keenansystem.com (link opens in a new browser window)
