There’s so much innovation

behind the symbol

INSIDE:
How Guaranteed Irish companies in the
construction, manufacturing, hardware
and DIY sectors are innovating to conquer
domestic and global markets
 Contents The construction members of
Guaranteed Irish
4&5
Global champions of Here are the Guaranteed
construction
Guaranteed Irish construction Irish construction,
and manufacturing companies
operating in Ireland are leading manufacturing, hardware
the country to global success -
here’s why
and DIY members from
around the country
6&7
Investing in Irish jobs
Roisin Lafferty, ambassador for
Fleetwood and award-winning
interior designer at Kingston
Lafferty Design, speaks about
why buying Guaranteed Irish 7
22
products guarantees Irish jobs
18

14 17
8&9 15
LONGFORD 19
21
1 34
The innovation of local
businesses 30 35 6 2 31
Companies across Ireland speak 28
12
about how they’ve innovated to 3
succeed and how membership 4 13 36
16
to Guaranteed Irish has added 20 37
value to their business 25 24 26

10
The future of construction
32
27
33
38

While some see Brexit as a

challenge to be overcome, 8 9
23
Guaranteed Irish see it as an
opportunity for growth and
diversification. Business experts
5
weigh in on the future of
construction
29

11
What does Guaranteed Irish
mean to your business?
Guaranteed Irish members tell 10
us why they’re proud to wear
the Guaranteed Irish symbol
11 24 MFP Plastics

12
Guaranteed Irish – why join us?
25 N&C Enterprises

Roadstone
26
The Board of Directors speak
about the benefits of being
Guaranteed Irish
27 Ryston Industries
1 Abco Kovex 13 Ecocem
28 Sanbra Fyffe
2 Calpeda Pumps Ireland 14 Fleetwood Paints
29 Senator Windows
3 Camfil
15 Glenview Natural
Stone
A BeCreative Editorial Production | 30 Stira Folding Attic Stairs
www.becreative.ie 4 Celuplast
16 Gyproc Ireland
31 Swan Plant Hire
Editor: 5 Clonmel Clovers
17 Instaspace
Shauna McCrudden 32 Tegral Building Products
6 Colm Warren Polyhouses Limited
Deputy Editor: 18 IPL Group
33 The Lisnavagh Timber
Clodagh Dooley 7 Combilift Project
Irish Cement
19 Limited
Advertising: 8 34 The Panelling Centre
Clogrennane Lime
Zoe Holohan (01) 884 8916
20 Irish Fencing
9 Dan Morrissey and Co Services 35 Thermotech
Design:
Susan McClean 21 Kilsaran Concrete
10 Dairygold Co-Operative 36 TM Blinds
INM Design Studio, Belfast Products

Repro: 11 Dosco 22 Kingspan 37 Wavin Ireland

Independent Newspapers (Ireland)
Limited, 27-32 Talbot Street, Dublin 1 Dulux 23 Mincon 38 Wood Mouldings
12

2 GUARANTEED IRISH Irish Independent I 14 September 2017

Guaranteed Irish
is a not-for-profit
organisation which
has grown and
changed over
the years into an
internationally
recognised symbol
of provenance and
trust. Brid O’Connell,
the newly appointed
CEO of Guaranteed
Irish, explains the
benefits of being
a member of the
organisation and how
it’s creating a positive
future for businesses
based in Ireland
B
rid O’Connell, a seasoned mar-
keting, PR and communications
specialist from West Limerick,
is the newly appointed CEO of
Guaranteed Irish. O’Connell says
that the Guaranteed Irish brand is
a vital part of the Irish DNA and she hopes to
future-proof the brand long into the future to
benefit Ireland.
“Research, undertaken by Amárach Re-
search, shows that nearly 80pc of Irish people
recognise the Guaranteed Irish symbol,” says
O’Connell, “so with that level of brand aware-
ness it becomes a very strong marketing asset
for Ireland.”
BENEFITS
Members use the symbol as a marketing and
CSR tool to align themselves with businesses
that choose to support job creation in Ireland.
They also benefit from Guaranteed Irish’s net-
working and training events, lobbying and PR.
“The brand represents all businesses that
have chosen Ireland as their base, have invest-
ed in their community and have created long-
term sustainable jobs here in Ireland,” says
O’Connell. “The symbol is the original and
highest recognised mark of ‘Irishness’. People
from around the globe have a love affair for
the Guaranteed Irish brand and today, while
it has undergone much needed repositioning
to reflect the global market, it still boils down
to job creation and community support, so the
love affair continues.”
Ireland needs to adopt a twin-track ap-
proach - supporting local, while looking global
- if we are to reach our potential. Guaranteed
Irish has a new Board of Directors, a new Ap-
praisals team and a new Digital and Commu-
nications team.
“Guaranteed Irish is the oldest brand of
origin in Ireland and that means it’s trusted.
This is what members are drawn to. It is a
voice for both the small and large businesses
coming out of Ireland, from the indigenous to
14 September 2017 I Irish Independent
span, which is an Irish business that exports
insulation products all over the world, and
Tegral, which manufactures roofing products
that are sought after worldwide. Guaranteed
Irish members can associate themselves with
the best global products available. Our mem-
bers are great ambassadors for Ireland.”
THE FUTURE OF IRISH BUSINESS
Many in the business world fear the effects of
Brexit but, Guaranteed Irish see it as a mas-
sive opportunity for Ireland to shine.
As the national symbol
of provenance and
trust, the Guaranteed
Irish brand allows
businesses to show their
connection to Irish
quality, craftsmanship,
skills and innovation
“Brexit is an opportunity for our compa-
nies to upscale and diversify to other markets
away from the UK with the help of Enterprise
Ireland,” says O’Connell. “The United States
has always been a huge market for Ireland
and it’s where Guaranteed Irish has, and will,
continue to do very well. There’s also a big
opportunity for Ireland in Eastern and Asiatic
countries. I believe that if our businesses are
proactive then they will succeed. We refer rele-
vant members to the Irish Exporters Associa-
Ireland’s love
tion and we also endorse IDA Ireland in their
search and delivery of sustainable jobs to Irish
communities, especially to rural Ireland.
“As the national symbol of provenance and
trust, the Guaranteed Irish brand allows busi-
nesses to show their connection to Irish qual-
ity, craftsmanship, skills and innovation. It is
affair with
very important to promote the trust in Irish
products and Irish businesses and we want to
leverage that heritage of being trustworthy on
a global scale.”
Brid O’Connell is confident about the future
of Guaranteed Irish.
“I see it as a tool that is useful to signal
Guaranteed
every business’s commitment to jobs, com-
munity and Ireland itself. It needs to be vocal
going forward to support members who are
nervous in an uncertain global economy.
Guaranteed Irish is a voice of confidence from
all business sectors that have come behind the
symbol to say, ‘We are all together better’.”
Irish
In this special supplement in the Irish
Independent, we focus on the contribution of
the Guaranteed Irish members in the con-
struction, manufacturing, hardware and DIY
sector. We take a closer look at their signifi-
cant contributions to Irish communities and
employment. We have special interviews and
insights from Irish businesses on how they
have sustained their businesses to date and
how innovation, adaptability and diversifica-
the international, across all sectors that create businesses and foreign direct investment tion have allowed them to scale and grow. This
jobs and add value to our communities. With companies can be mutually beneficial to each is a good news story about the construction
this approach we believe we are ‘all together other, which is critical for Ireland to thrive in industry in Ireland and its impact across the
better’.” a global economy. globe through the lens of Guaranteed Irish.
“When an Irish company performs well
IRELAND IN THE GLOBAL ECONOMY overseas, it opens doors for smaller compa- For more information, visit www.
Guaranteed Irish believes that both Irish nies,” says Brid. “Examples of this are King- guaranteedirish.ie
GUARANTEED IRISH 3
Global champions
of construction
F
Guaranteed Irish or Guaranteed Irish, there
are three core pillars of better
pharmaceutical companies, online companies
and financial services firms.
construction industry will be an engine for
growth and job creation over the decade. Con-
construction and business in Ireland – jobs, com-
munity and provenance. Devel-
According to a DKM report commissioned
by CIF (Construction Industry Federation) and
struction companies are delivering high-qual-
ity projects domestically and internationally,
manufacturing oping innovative new products
and services, investing in Irish
carried out by DKM consultants, construction
activity can potentially generate a require-
and have never offered better opportunities
for people to work and build careers.”
companies operating jobs and communities, and
contributing to Ireland’s image
ment for 112,000 new jobs up to 2020.
CIF president Michael Stone said: “The
Construction exports in Ireland are also
high and Stephen Hughes, Head of Construc-
in Ireland are leading at home and abroad has allowed Guaranteed
Irish construction companies in Ireland to
tion at Enterprise Ireland, says “many con-
struction companies that diversified during
the country to global succeed in competitive markets nationally and
globally.
the downturn, are now well positioned to
capitalise on global growth in key markets.”
success - here’s why Ireland’s construction industry has been
one of the key drivers in the growth of the
Hughes explains: “In the wake of the Brexit
vote, we have noticed Irish firms are taking
Irish economy over the last decade. The sector more interest in expanding in the Eurozone
is playing a large role in attracting foreign The construction such as Germany and the Netherlands, and
direct investment (FDI) into the country, by
building strategic infrastructure and through industry will be an also North America where increasing realisa-
ble opportunities are emerging.
its global competence in building highly
specialised buildings and manufacturing engine for growth and “There are a number of areas of particular
strength in the Eurozone at the moment,
facilities.
Increasingly, global multinationals are job creation over the including data centres, pharmaceutical facili-
ties, and healthcare infrastructure. Positively,
looking to the Irish construction industry to
build high-spec buildings to support their
decade these are all segments that Irish firms have
expertise in, so establishing and maintaining
presence in the country. Ireland is now home local relationships is a must for new entrants
to half of the world’s leading tech companies, to these markets.”

4 GUARANTEED IRISH Irish Independent I 14 September 2017

The global construction
market is estimated to grow
to $15 trillion by 2030 and Irish
construction companies are
stepping up to capture these
opportunities, generating jobs
and growth, and increasing
exports significantly. Ireland
has had a long reputation
for helping to build the
world and is doing so again
through global construction
brands such as Kingspan,
Irish Cement Limited, Wavin,
Tegral, Combilift, Gyproc,
and Camfil. Below, we profile
some of these Guaranteed
Irish companies, and discover
how they are leading the way
in creating an internationally
successful construction
industry based in Ireland.
 KINGSPAN
A global company with local roots, Kingspan
began as a small engineering and contracting
business, founded by Eugene Murtagh in
Kingscourt, Co Cavan. Today, the company has
10,000 members across the world.
The company has nine out of the 100 global
manufacturing sites based in Ireland and
the Global Innovation Centre for the entire
company is also based in Ireland.
Jim Loughran, Commercial Director, says:
“We’ve been manufacturing insulation in
Castleblayney since the 1980s and some of
our staff have been with the company for
over 30 years. Kingspan is very proud of its
Irish heritage and founding, and becoming
a member of Guaranteed Irish recently will
remind people, especially our customers, of
just how Irish we are.
“We export to the UK, USA, Europe and
Australia, all from our plant in Co Monaghan
and we work ceaselessly to be leaders in
the design, manufacture and provision of
intelligent and high-performance insulation
14 September 2017 I Irish Independent
Global innovators
Paddy Kelly
systems. We’re constantly pushing boundaries
when it comes to providing insulation
solutions for any design challenges.”
The company provides innovative
insulation solutions for both refurbishment
and new build in domestic and commercial
applications across the world. An example of
one of Kingspan’s most recent innovations
is the Kooltherm lower lambda (thermal
conductivity) product range for floor, wall and
soffit applications, which Jim says “ensures
architects and builders now have greater
freedom to achieve spectacular designs with
outstanding fabric performance, without
having to compromise on internal living or
working space.”
Jim adds: “We are developing a truly global
business well placed to capitalise on the
transition towards a lower energy future. We
invest heavily in research and development,
and we are very passionate about product
development and exceeding expectations, both
domestically and globally.”
Jim Loughran
 TEGRAL BUILDING PRODUCTS LIMITED
Tegral (part of the global building materials growing in the East Coast, in areas like Boston and
company Etex) are the largest employer in South New Jersey which have strong Irish communities.”
Kildare, with two factories in Athy – the fibre ce- To succeed in the global marketplace, Kelly says
ment factory where they manufacture slates and Irish companies need to continuously innovate.
the metal factory where they manufacture various “Everything we do at Tegral is underpinned by
roofing, cladding and decking products. our commitment to raising the standards of roofing
“We export our fibre cement slates to many and providing the highest quality products and
countries, which accounts for circa €12 million a services to our customers.
year for our company,” says Paddy Kelly, Managing “We’ve launched Thrutone Endurance, which is
Director of Tegral. “Currently, the main countries widely recognized as the strongest slate not only in
we are exporting to include the UK, the USA and Ireland, but also in Europe. We introduced Vertigo
Chile. Our Irish-made slates are the market leader to the market, a vertical cladding solution. We were
in the UK, as well as in Ireland. the first in Europe to be awarded with a BES 6001
“We have been a member of Guaranteed Irish accreditation, which acknowledges responsible
since it was founded in 1984. From promoting Irish sourcing. Where possible, we source raw materials
products to supplying Irish jobs, being a member is from Ireland, the main one being Irish cement.
imperative for us, especially for business in the UK “Last year, we launched the Tegral Roofing
and USA, where Irish-made is synonymous with Academy, which is Ireland’s only dedicated centre
quality and good service. for training roofers in Ireland. Through this, not
“The Irish diaspora in both countries is vast and only are we raising the standards by developing
has no doubt played a role in the growth of our trained roofing contractors, but we’re also contrib-
business there. In the US market, our business is uting to job sustainability.”
 IRISH CEMENT LIMITED
Irish Cement Limited (MD, Jack Dalton), Clogren-
nane Lime Ltd (MD, Brian Walsh) and Roadstone
(MD, Larry Byrne) are leaders in their field.
Next year, Irish Cement Limited (ICL) – which
has plants based in Limerick and Drogheda – will
celebrate 80 years in business. Jack Dalton,
Managing Director, says continuous innovation
has been integral for the company’s success, both
at home and abroad.
“ICL commenced exports in 2010 following
the slump in the Irish economy,” says Dalton.
“The export market to the UK and Belgium now
represents 40pc of our sales. Our reputation
for quality cement created in Ireland was a key
enabler to developing the export market.”
“Innovation plays a key role in remaining com-
petitive in both the domestic and export markets.
We invested €200 million in the Drogheda plant in
2008, and this investment modernised the facility
utilising leading technology to meet the world’s Jack Dalton
best practice energy and emissions standards.
This investment has been key to sustaining Irish “ICL is committed to continuous improvement
Cement through the difficult economic climate through people, innovation and quality, to deliver
which we are now emerging from. the best products to our customers.”
 WAVIN IRELAND
“Wavin Ireland is a member of the Wavin Group, a by Wavin because they’re hidden. Our green cre-
world leader in plastic pipe systems,” says Michael dentials are good: some of our core products are
O’Donohoe, Country Director Ireland. “Wavin was made with PVC, which has 60pc recycled material.
founded in Zwolle in Holland in the 1950s and we “The Guaranteed Irish symbol will help to
became the second country outside of the Nether- bring added value to our products, giving us the
lands to house a Wavin factory, based in Balbrig- opportunity to re-emphasise with our customers
gan. In 1958, we introduced our first product into the importance of supporting Irish manufacturers
Ireland, and today we have over 6,000 products and Irish jobs.”
available.”
Wavin, which became a part of the Mexichem Michael
Group (Latin-American leader in pipe systems and O’Donohoe
petrochemicals) in 2012, employs approximately
6,000 people globally and has annual revenues
of around €1.2 billion. In Ireland, the company is
a smaller operation with 85 employees, however
their position as market leader is significant.
“Our products are fully tested and certified to
show that they meet Irish building regulations.
We’re celebrating 60 years in business next year
and we’ve also recently become members of Guar-
anteed Irish. We’ve supported many Irish jobs
over the years and by joining Guaranteed Irish, it
reinforces our local values.
“At the moment, our focus is more domestic but
we trade with Wavin-operating companies in other
countries. Including Northern Ireland, our export
growth for this year is approximately 15pc.”
Wavin has introduced and developed many
innovative products including the QuickStream
siphonic drainage system for roofs, to provide a
rainwater management solution and a geocellular
stormwater management system, which can be
installed beneath roads or car parks.
“Many people don’t realise that the pipe sys-
tems in their house or local supermarket are made
GUARANTEED IRISH 5
 Roisin Lafferty.
Image credit:
Ruth Maria
“T
he benefits of purchasing
Guaranteed Irish products
today have the potential to
be seen both domestically
and globally,” says Lafferty.
“By purchasing Guaranteed
Irish products, we in turn support countless
Irish businesses across numerous sectors, par-
ticularly the construction and design industry.
“Continued support for such products
supports their expansion and development,
which in the long-term can lead to centres
of excellence in Ireland and highly-regarded
Irish products available across the globe.”
Guaranteed Irish aims to support job cre-
ation in the Irish economy and its members
play a vital role in communities across Ireland.
If households increased their spending on
Guaranteed Irish products and services by €4
a week, it could create over 6,000 new jobs. A
study conducted by Amárach Research into
the country’s attitudes to buying goods and
services with the GI symbol, showed that
almost two-thirds of people surveyed said that
buying such products helps them feel they are
supporting Ireland.
Lafferty, who is the ambassador for Fleet-
wood Paints, a member of Guaranteed Irish,
says Fleetwood’s involvement with the symbol
plays an important part in sustaining the
design industry in Ireland.
“Colour and paint are some of the most
powerful design tools and as a leading Irish
paint brand Fleetwood is at the forefront of
colour in Ireland,” she says. “From our work
with commercial and residential clients, we
have found that people are a lot more inclined
6 GUARANTEED IRISH
Investing in Irish jobs
Buying Guaranteed Irish products guarantees Irish jobs. Here,
Roisin Lafferty, ambassador for Fleetwood Paints and award-
winning interior designer at Kingston Lafferty Design, explains
to experiment with paint colours, and Fleet-
wood is an Irish company supplying a level of
choice and quality to the market that really is
quite ground-breaking.
“When consumers buy Fleetwood products
or purchase any similar Guaranteed Irish
product, it sustains and promotes the growth
of the design sector, and the future of design
in Ireland. Supporting Guaranteed Irish
products increases the demand for design
skills in everything from product development
to graphic design, thereby pushing the design
sector and promoting the growth of design in
Ireland.”
SUPPORT
Annemarie Harte, CEO of Hardware Associa-
tion Ireland (HAI) – the national representa-
tive body for hardware/DIY retailers, builders’
merchants and manufacturers and distribut-
ers to the trade – agrees:
Local hardware retailers
are part of the backbone
of the community and
acknowledged as reliable
problem solvers
Roisin Lafferty at the
Pantone greenery shoot
for Fleetwood in the
Botanic Gardens.
Image credit: Al Higgins
“Our long-term wellbeing as an economy
can only be achieved by nurturing our home-
grown businesses. Ensuring these business-
es are supported first and foremost by the
domestic market reduces our ever-increasing
reliance on foreign direct investment for jobs
and growth.
“Buying from Irish-owned retailers, espe-
cially those up and down the country on rural
high streets, sustains employment and keeps
communities alive. Local hardware retailers
are part of the backbone of the community
and acknowledged as reliable problem solvers.
Many of these are family businesses with an
unmatched history in towns that otherwise
may have succumbed to the scourge of emi-
gration.”
Harte adds: “Buying local is also important
for our environment. In the age of e-com-
merce dominance across Europe, reducing
the environmental ‘footprint’ of products we
use is more important than ever. At the end
of the day, having a face-to-face conversation
with the local expert whether it’s about a bit of Annemarie Harte
DIY or a new extension trumps buying from a
faceless e-commerce giant.” that value their Irish heritage and are creating
jobs and sustaining communities, we intro-
RELATIONSHIP
HAI has over 350 members (suppliers and
duce them to the benefits of Guaranteed Irish
and vice versa.
manufacturers), many of whom have the
Guaranteed Irish symbol including Tegral,
“We equally support our homegrown
manufacturers, high street and multi-branch
Fleetwood, Bord na Móna, Wavin, Kingspan,
Irish Cement and Kilsaran. Annemarie feels
retailers, and merchants that have come
through the toughest of times, and we aspire
that their relationship with Guaranteed Irish to be their value-added partner in the long-
has had a positive impact on the construction
industry.
term sustainability of their business.
“Our longstanding relationship with Guar-
“When we find companies in our industry anteed Irish has been mutually beneficial.”
Irish Independent I 14 September 2017
Recognising the retailers
Guaranteed Irish members, such as Senator Windows,
Celuplast, Colm Warren Polyhouses and The Panelling
Centre, are trusted by Irish consumers. Approximately
84pc of consumers will buy Guaranteed Irish
products. Here, some Guaranteed Irish members
speak about their experience investing in Ireland,
and the benefits of buying from their business.
 DULUX
With deep Irish roots and heritage
dating back to 1885, Dulux is one of
the country’s oldest manufacturing
companies and has been working
with Guaranteed Irish for many
years.
Managing Director Seamus
O’Donoghue says: “In the time that
we have been working with Guar-
anteed Irish, it has helped us to
reinforce the importance of not only
being made in Ireland but in having
all of our products researched and
developed in this country. So, not
only made in Ireland but made
especially for Irish consumers and
decorators, and part of the fabric of
Irish life.”
There are over 130 people working Dulux manufacturing site in Cork
for Dulux across their sites in both
Cork and Dublin and throughout the country
supporting their retail and trade partners.
Seamus says the business is constantly evolv-
ing to help meet the changing needs of all
users of their products, from homeowners to
professional decorators.
“Everyone in our business is focused on
this, and also on how we position and sell the
power of colour as a means of transforming
homes, working spaces and communities.
“We put the Irish consumer at the very
heart of everything we do. Our number one
priority is to develop products and services
that meet their needs. As a nation, we love
to paint the outside of our homes. Just drive
along the west coast of Ireland and you will
see how Dulux Weathershield helps both pro-
tect and bring colour to homes along the Wild
Atlantic Way.
Seamus O’Donoghue with the Dulux dog
14 September 2017 I Irish Independent
“Most people are surprised to hear that we
have been manufacturing our paint at the
same location in Cork since 1885. Our Dulux
Cork plant remains the heartbeat of the busi-
ness to this day, so supporting our Guaranteed
Irish products is supporting local jobs and
community.”
Guaranteed Irish members have a positive
impact on Irish communities and the Dulux
Let’s Colour Project is one such example of
how they are transforming local communities.
“Our Lets Colour Project has reached over
400 communities since its inception in 2011,”
says O’Donoghue. “This is where we support
community-based projects with paint to trans-
form their space from drab to fab. We have
supported everything from handball clubs
to inner city playgrounds. It’s amazing the
impact a lick of paint can have!”
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Michael Burke and his sister, Kate
 STIRA
Michael Burke Snr de-
veloped the idea for Stira
(www.stira.com) when
he was asked to repair a
poorly made flight of attic
stairs and today, more
than 100,000 Irish homes
have Stira staircases. Not
only has Stira become
a household name with
homeowners, but also
with professionals such as
engineers and architects.
A company committed
to family and community
values, Stira is now run by
Michael Burke Jnr and his
sister, Kate. Although the
company had to downsize
during the recession, Stira
currently has 25 people
working in the factory
based in Co Galway, many
of which had been there
when they were first
awarded the Guaranteed
Irish badge.
“The current directors
were only children when
Stira first joined Guaran-
teed Irish,” says Burke.
“We joined in the 80s, and
I don’t think we’ve ever
looked back! Guaranteed
Irish reminds people that we are local, and that coming in from abroad, so we go high quality.
money spent with us will stay in Ireland and go “The vast majority of other companies are all
to Irish people.” selling the exact same stairs made by the same
Burke lists the many other benefits of buying company. They claim they have superior quality
the company’s Guaranteed Irish product. stairs, but they are selling the same stairs as
“If something goes wrong we’re a phone call everyone else. The Stira is independently tested
away and only a few hours’ drive at most, so the to exceed a European safety standard, which
customer has support if they need it. Irish prod- took its inspiration from the Stira Folding Attic
ucts tend to be higher quality, we can’t compete Stairs. There is a demand for a safe, guaranteed
at the lower end of the market on cheap goods and quality-engineered attic staircase.”
 TM BLINDS LIMITED
“Back in 1978, our Managing Director Tony
Murray established Luxaflex®/TM Blinds Ltd
as a one-man operation,” says Conor Brady,
Head of Sales at TM Blinds.
“The company quickly grew to become the
industry leader, with almost 100 people at
our manufacturing facility in Newcastle, Co
Dublin.
“We became associated with Guaranteed
Irish back in 1994, which we are extremely
proud of, as this has been particularly advan-
tageous to us during and since the recession.
Consumers became more aware of the advan-
tages of supporting Irish manufacturing jobs.
So, in this regard carrying the Guaranteed
Irish symbol has given us a real competitive
edge.”
Brady says that faced with the
challenges of the recession,
TM Blinds refocused the
company’s energies with
an underlying principle of
‘excellence is the mini-
mum standard’.
Conor Brady
“This is reflected in our product to the customers’ exact require-
the excellent quality, ments, as well as providing expert advice at
outstanding service local Luxaflex® Showrooms.
and cutting-edge de- “We have opened up a whole new world
sign. As a result, today of choice in home interior décor. Our col-
we are in a stronger lection of products, fabrics and colours is
position than ever to unsurpassed. Light control, privacy, energy
meet the challenges of efficiency and UV protection are just some of
the future. the benefits that we build into our products,
“We are proud of the ex- to make everyday living more comfortable and
ceptional level of service we
provide, taking pride in making
enjoyable, increasing the value of our custom-
ers’ homes.”
GUARANTEED IRISH 7
The innovation of
local businesses
G
Guaranteed Irish uaranteed Irish is dedicated
to reaching into all corners of
has supported Ireland, and to connecting busi-
nesses across the country. As the
local, home-grown national symbol of provenance
and trust, the organisation pro-
businesses for over motes innovative local businesses through the
established GI brand to help them to develop
four decades. Here, and expand.
Stephen Hughes, Head of Con-
companies from struction for Enterprise Ireland,
talks about how Guaranteed
around Ireland speak Irish helps promote local

OU
businesses, “We have
about their success
DID YW
some tremendously

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strong and capable
and how membership
KNO rs feel it’s
construction products
companies here in
to Guaranteed Irish Ireland. By designat-
e
ing themselves as
% o f c onsum uy from
has added value being manufactured
96 ta nt to b a long
in Ireland with the
im po r
to their business ies with in
Guaranteed Irish logo,
they are raising aware-
m p a n
ness to the consumers co
m interest Brid O’Connell, CEO tenacity as well as strong customer loyalty and
and hopefully leading to
ter of Guaranteed Irish, have had incredible success.”

Ireland
greater levels of sales.”
In addition to promoting
its members in B2B and B2C
channels, Guaranteed Irish also
recognises the positive contribution
its members in the construction, manufactur-
ing, hardware and DIY sectors make to local
employment, local communities and to the
Irish economy as a whole.
says, “Our members are
incredibly hard-working
and committed to their local
communities. Our innovative
members include concrete and
quarrying company, Dan Morrissey & Co,
and N&C Enterprises which manufactures
and supplies decorative aggregates, cobbles,
pebbles and rockery stone. They have shown
“A nice example of a local business giving
back is Combilift,” says Brid O’Connell. “Com-
bilift is a specialist forklift and straddle carrier
manufacturer based in Monaghan which has
grown, since being established in 1998, to
become the global leader in the long-load han-
dling market. Through their success, they’ve
been a real supporter of the local community
in Gallinagh.”

8 GUARANTEED IRISH Irish Independent I 14 September 2017

Guaranteed Irish local
brands which have had

From local to national

great success stories include
Dairygold Co-Operative,
Clonmel Covers, Dosco,
Irish Fencing and Railings,
Dan Morrissey & Co, and
Swan Plant Hire. Below,
we profile some of these  DAIRYGOLD CO-OPERATIVE
Irish companies and find Dairygold is Ireland’s leading farmer-owned
out how these brands have co-operative with over 100 years of commu-
nity based milk production. Dairygold’s retail
innovated to succeed and business operates 39 stores across the Golden
Valleys of Munster, under the Co-Op Super-
how they are continuing Stores and Co-Op Stores brands. The stores
to grow while supporting have grown from being traditionally farm-fo-
cused, to stocking a comprehensive range of
local communities. products such as paint and décor, household
One such company is and DIY items, hardware, building, electrical,
fuel and gardening products.
Kilsaran Concrete “A key success factor for us is the locally
Products. A leading supplier based farm advisory service and retail Co-Op
Superstores network,” says Mark Keller, Head
of concrete and award- of Sales and Marketing for Dairygold.
winning patio and garden Dairygold supports their local farming
community through their agricultural busi-
design services in Ireland ness and retail network. Their network of
Co-Op Superstores supports farmers and their
and the UK, Kilsaran believes maintenance of their farms by stocking the
Guaranteed Irish has added key items they need. From storage containers
through to farm gates, sheds and other key
great value to their business, products to support the farmers in maintain-
along with many others Mark Keller
ing their farm and surrounding work space.
“We have farm advisors on hand to assist in
all aspects of farm development and mainte-
nance,” continues Mark Keller. “Equally im-
portant is the access to products and services
the retail network supplies to the local rural
communities. Dairygold is proud of its role
in supporting and sustaining rural commu-
nities and the families who live in its captive
environment.
“Dairygold has been a proud member of
Guaranteed Irish for many years. The Dairy-
gold/Guaranteed Irish mission is aligned in
promoting clean sustainable production meth-
ods and connecting back to the source.”
Keller says that Guaranteed Irish can sig-
nificantly contribute to Dairygold’s sustain-
able growth strategy through the voice of its
collective members.
“By being an active member and linking to
Guaranteed Irish’s campaigns, our member-
ship to Guaranteed Irish will bring additional
value and opportunity by supporting local
communities. It ensures we can grow sus-
tainability to support the farmers which, in
turn, ensures that they can contribute to the
achievement of the society’s ambitious goals.”

Seamus Phelan consult with our customers and design a product

 CLONMEL COVERS
Based in Co Tipperary, Clonmel Covers was es-
tablished by Seamus Phelan in 1990. Phelan, who
has a background in the transport industry, saw a
niche in the market to provide waterproof covers
for trailers and other accessories in the haulage
industry.
Having quickly established themselves, Clon-
mel Covers soon started manufacturing products
for other sectors, including farming, leisure,
construction, transport and pharmaceutical.
“From its humble beginnings, Clonmel Covers
has become one of the largest manufacturers
of waterproof covers in Ireland to-date,” says
Seamus Phelan, Managing Director. “We man-
ufacture a large range of customised products,
such as truck and skip covers, EasyFit Windbreak-
er, boat and machine covers.
“We not only manufacture products but, we
that suits their needs. We do this by constant
investment in state-of-the-art premises, equip-  DOSCO
ment and customer-focused staff. The positive Dosco is the only Irish manufacturer of both
exposure via word-of-mouth, a high presence paint brushes and domestic brushes which
on digital media, and our stands at various trade proudly displays the Guaranteed Irish logo.
shows keeps Clonmel Covers’ name prominent in All requirements of the decorating market are
people’s minds when they require an Irish water- catered for with the various paint brush styles
proof product.” in the Dosco range. Dosco also supplies a full
Guaranteed Irish has brought an extra re- complement of decorating tools and sundries
source for the company who felt they wanted to to assist with every decorating job.
show off their Irishness. “As a manufacturer we continue to spend
“The only other main supplier of windbreak- heavily on training and development,” says
ers in Ireland was an English-based company,” Roger Cleary, Assistant Managing Director
continues Phelan. “We felt that given the option, for Dosco. “We estimate that it takes two
the farmers in Ireland would prefer to buy a local full years of continuous training to become a
Irish product. The most visible way to show this Dosco brush maker. We now employ around
was to have the Guaranteed Irish mark associat- 60 people at our manufacturing base in Cork
ed with it. City.”
“From its establishment, Clonmel Covers Today, Dosco is seen as the market leader
believed that a lot of the products we see can be in the supply of paint brushes, domestic
manufactured in Ireland, sometimes to a higher brushes, rollers, decorating tools, mops, mats
standard. Irish people want to buy Irish-made and household plastics, and has a customer
products, thus creating employment and boosting base throughout the 32 counties of Ireland.
the local economy. “Being a member of the Guaranteed Irish
“Having the Guaranteed Irish mark highlights community allows our customers to know
a product for people. We have seen this first-hand that at Dosco, we are proud of our Irish
with our EasyFit Windbreaker at our stand at the heritage. We believe that being Guaranteed
National Ploughing Championships. The positive Irish allows our customers to know that when
feedback we get for our product is enhanced they purchase our goods, they are supporting
because it is seen to be an Irish product and the Pat Casey Irish jobs in the local community.”
public really appreciates that.”

 IRISH FENCING SERVICES Shane Winters & Sarah Wilson

Irish Fencing Services was established in
1973 and is today, the leading supplier and in-
staller of fences, gates and railings in Ireland.
Their products are widely used in industrial,
educational, sporting and domestic projects.
The company’s association with Guaran-
teed Irish goes back to the earliest days of
the campaign, under the direction of Vivion
Murray.
Terry Hobdell, Company Chairman says,
“Vivion Murray had a vision that local Irish
goods should be of the highest quality and
should be bought because they offered great
value. This changed the mind-set of Irish
companies who were now competing against
goods from around the world and the new
EU.”
Now under the direction of Managing Di-
rector Shane Winters and Financial Director
Sarah Wilson, Irish Fencing Services has
sought outside confirmation of their compe-
tence. As well as being members of Guar-
anteed Irish, they are Safe-T-Cert and CIRI
with Tom Parlon
Guaranteed Irish
is a badge we
wear with pride
Registered, assuring their customers of an
independent verification of their competence
and employee skills.
“We have a core belief at Irish Fencing
Services that companies always need to adapt
and innovate to sustain themselves in the
local communities,” says Terry Hobdell.
Financial Director Sarah Wilson adds,
“Guaranteed Irish is a badge we wear with
pride and we believe it is perceived both in
Ireland and overseas as a quality mark of
some significance. It has certainly been a
great help to us for the best part of 40 years.”

14 September 2017 I Irish Independent GUARANTEED IRISH 9

The future of
construction
In the last year, Brexit has been ruling
the headlines. While some see it as a
challenge to be overcome, Guaranteed
Irish see it as an opportunity for growth
and diversification. Here, business experts
weigh in on the future of construction
G
uaranteed Irish believes that
Irish businesses must be pro-
active if they are to survive and
thrive. Expanding and diversify-
ing to other markets is essential
if businesses want to succeed in
a changing global economy. Guaranteed Irish
supports Irish businesses in expanding and
scaling up, and it endorses the search for for-
eign investment and delivery of jobs to Irish
communities. These initiatives are important
for sustaining growth in the Irish economy.
While the future of the economy looks
bright, the Brexit referendum has created
uncertainty for Ireland.
Ireland has always been heavily reliant on
the United Kingdom as a trading partner.
Figures released by the Department of Foreign
Affairs show that Ireland and Britain trade
over €1 billion worth of goods and services
every week. It also shows that 55pc of Irish
exports in the construction and timber sectors
go to the UK each year.
So what can Irish businesses do to protect
themselves going into the future?
Carmel Logan, a Board Member with
Guaranteed Irish and Tax Director with KPMG
Ireland specialising in Real Estate and Con-
struction, says, “Planning ahead is key so that
businesses are ready for the opportunities and
challenges that Brexit will bring.
“It’s important to consider every part of the
business supply chain. Understand who your
UK customers, suppliers and service providers
are. Guaranteed Irish gives every member
a tool to connect with other Irish diaspora
who are in a position to open doors in new
markets.
“Planning early will allow for contingencies
to minimise the cost and impact. In the short
term, managing exchange rate volatility will
be important when exporting into the UK,
Carmel Logan
10 GUARANTEED IRISH
Stephen Hughes
sourcing materials from the UK, or pricing
quotations for UK jobs.”
DIVERSIFYING TO SUCCEED
Brexit has been a key focus point for Guaran-
teed Irish.
Brid O’Connell, CEO of Guaranteed Irish
says, “There is a real sense within the con-
struction sector that companies have worked
hard through the recession and are well
equipped to face future challenges. As such,
they are perfectly positioned to share insights
on the current housing crisis and how best
to develop a sustainable construction sector,
particularly given the new challenges we are
facing in light of Brexit.”
The events during the Guaranteed Irish
Construction Month are dedicated to creat-
ing a sustainable construction strategy for
Ireland.
“One key objective for our members is to
work with the Government to create sustain-
able construction strategies. We want the
future of the sector to be more like a con-
tinuous straight line rather than peaks and
There is a real sense
within this sector that
companies have worked
hard through the
recession and are well
equipped to face future
challenges
troughs. We want to create an environment
that triggers opportunities for sustained
growth. This is a highly innovative, creative
sector, with hugely skilled people who are
constantly creating world-leading solutions
for their industry. Along with new housing
developments, we also want to see national in-
frastructure developments that will showcase
our skilled workers and help ensure that we
hold onto them here.”
Stephen Hughes, Head of Construction for
Enterprise Ireland, says, “69pc of construction
sector companies recently surveyed, now view
the Eurozone as attractive. The language can
be a challenge to overcome as can the access
to market knowledge and finance but, none of
these challenges should be insurmountable.
“Our construction sector companies who
are committed to the UK will remain com-
mitted to the UK and they will be looking to
find solutions to help them continue to trade
successfully into that market region. But, it’s
incredibly important to diversify away from
the UK and into the rest of the Eurozone and Tom Parlon,
Director General
North America. There’s an increase in interest
in those areas and our companies can defi- of CIF
nitely compete in certain segments of those
markets.
Guaranteed Irish supports this approach
and hosts events for members on opportu-
nities in new markets as well as showcasing
opportunities for domestic growth.
Brid O’Connell says, “It’s by using a twin-
track approach that we can help our members
sustain and grow their share in competitive
markets.”
A GROWING INDUSTRY
Despite the challenges ahead, the future looks
to be filled with growth for the construction
industry. This is according to a report by DKM
Economic Consultants, commissioned by
the Construction Industry Federation. With
a forecast of 9pc annual growth and
112,000 additional workers in
construction, it can become
a €20 billion industry by
2020.
Shane Dempsey,
Director of Com-
munications for OU
DID YW
the Construction
?
KNO ld pick the
Shane Dempsey
Industry Federation
(CIF) says, “The
construction in-
eople wou d th e additional 112,000
p e
84% of t that display mbol the
dustry is currently employees is a huge
seeing a long-term opportunity for
increase in em-
ployment numbers.
c
produ teed Irish sy ice ployment
Irish economy
to generate em-
Guarane product/serv
Each month, con- and drive
struction companies sustainable economic
hire an additional
over th ut the symbol growth.”
witho
1,000 workers into the Guaranteed Irish is
industry. The industry’s
employment is expected to
committed to economic
growth in the construction
grow by 50,000 in early 2018.
“The reason for the increase in
industry with its support and
endorsement of Guaranteed Irish
employment levels is a strong increase in
construction activity driven by Ireland’s econ-
members which create quality jobs, contribute
to the Irish community and enhance Ireland’s
omy and growing population; both are the image both at home and abroad as a great
fastest in the EU. The DKM prediction of an place to do business.
Irish Independent I 14 September 2017
What does Guaranteed Irish
mean to your business?
Guaranteed Irish members tell us why they are proud to wear the Guaranteed Irish symbol

“Camfil is a multinational organisation “I developed a customised water pump solution

that understands the importance of our designed to answer the specific needs of the Irish
local community. In 1985, the Camfil Group market for Calpeda Pumps but my project lay
purchased Allied Filter and pumps. From there dormant for some time. Around the time of the
we grew from strength to strength. Showing that recession, I saw that a recovery in housebuilding was
we have Irish foundations was a key reason inevitable and I resurrected it. But, I needed to find
why we got involved with Guaranteed Irish. a way to differentiate myself from the competition. I
From our Irish CEO, Alan O’Connell, to our 50 got the idea to apply for the Guaranteed Irish mark
strong workforce, we felt the Guaranteed Irish from one of my customers who told me that since we
mark was important to showing our customers manufactured in Ireland, we should let customers
that, not only are they dealing with a world know this since people love to buy Irish products.
leader in clean air solutions, but also a local It’s a very competitive market at the best of times
company that manufactures and supplies from and I have a lot of foreign competitors who have
our manufacturing plant in Dublin.” big marketing budgets but, when we obtained the
- Don Donovan, Camfil Ireland MD and prestigious Guaranteed Irish accreditation, they
V.P of Sales Ireland, Italy, Belgium and helped us to overcome this hurdle.”
Netherlands - Graham Fay (left in picture), Managing
Director, Calpeda Pumps Ireland

“Abco Kovex is a long standing, wholly Irish

“By using the Guaranteed Irish mark, owned company. By manufacturing bubble
Colm Warren Polyhouses highlight to wrap in various sizes and formats in-house,
customers that they have a first class we have managed to successfully produce a
quality product available right here on their competitive and effective product for both the
doorstep. The Polytunnels, Greenhouses, home and export market. Our membership of
Agri-shelters and Canopy structures are Guaranteed Irish and the use of the worldwide
manufactured in Ireland and installed by renowned Guaranteed Irish symbol of quality
our company. We use the Guaranteed Irish increases our exposure to a national and
logo to demonstrate that our company is international network of businesses and gives
invested in keeping jobs here in Ireland and us an extra edge to promote this product at
supporting our local community.” home and abroad. Being part of the Guaranteed
- Georgina Warren, Marketing Irish community heightens our focus in
Professional, Colm Warren investing in Irish products, companies and
Polyhouses connections to promote our business within our
community.”
- Lorraine Bridgette, Finance Director
for Abco Covex

Guaranteed Irish would also like to say a special thanks to the rest of their valued
members in the Irish construction, manufacturing, hardware and DIY industries:

1. Lisnavagh Timber Project - The Lisnavagh Timber Project
grows, sources, conditions and supplies fully traceable home-
grown Irish hardwood timber, from sustainable resources, to
Ireland’s furniture makers and woodworkers.
4. Instaspace - A leading supplier of premium turn-key building
systems that include all groundworks, lifts, stairs, ramps,
railings, carparks, roundabouts and complete internal fit out,
with mechanical and electrical installations, interior design,
furniture and fittings, if specified.
7. MFP Plastics - MFP is a leading producer of quality plastic
building products for construction industry, public utilities and
local authorities.

8. Wood Mouldings - A fast growing business which produces

2. Ryston Industries - Manufacturers of plastic bag and bin
liners. All of the materials used are carefully chosen to ensure
that the end product is of excellent quality.
internal and external wall cladding, decking, stair parts,
5. Glenview Natural Stone - The company’s extraction of skirting / architrave, door frames and wood mouldings and
golden sandstone from its vast 700-acre site has proven to supplies nationwide.
be a much sought after product and contributes to projects
such as landscaping, specialist sands, DIY building ranges and
decorative surface dressing.

9. Thermotech - Thermotech specialises in the manufacturing

3. IPL Group - IPL Group designs, manufactures and provides an of EPS polystyrene boards for the purpose of thermal building
extensive range of infrastructural products and services. insulations.
6. Ecocem - An Irish company specialising in the manufacturing
of high performance cements, featuring the best available
technology for environmental performance.

14 September 2017 I Irish Independent GUARANTEED IRISH 11

GUARANTEED IRISH
– WHY JOIN US?
Guaranteed Irish
was found to be the
most trusted Irish
provenance symbol
earlier this year
(Amárach Research),
and that gives every
member who uses it
a competitive edge in
the domestic market
place. Every citizen on
the globe has a desire
to ‘support local’

‘B
uy British’, ‘Made in Italy’ and
‘Australian Made’ all run sim-
ilar initiatives in their home
turf. So, it’s important that
Guaranteed Irish continues
its role to promote businesses
who invest in Ireland, which in turn leads to
more jobs. To
from
benefit hip to
However, Guaranteed Irish goes a little
further in that it also aims to welcome inward
rs
membe NTEED
bound businesses who wish to become part of
Irish society and create additional long-term ed, remembered and now in its rejuvenated ning ahead is key weight – all positive
R A
GUA ISH,
jobs, support local communities and help posi- format, it is ready to support businesses so that businesses connections for our
tion Ireland as a positive ‘business destination’ across the island to drive sales and enter new are ready for the business as we aim
in a global context. This twin-track approach markets. It is worn as a badge of pride here in opportunities and I R to diversify into new
allows Ireland to benefit from both inward Bord Na Móna, and we will be rolling it out on challenges that
vis it markets.”
investment from FDI and exports from Irish all our comms and packaging over the coming Brexit will bring.”
ee dirish.ie duced The newly intro-
homegrown businesses. It also has the added year.” Guaranteed Irish
ua ra n t appraisals

www.g apply online Consulting

advantage, of bringing much needed employ-
ment opportunities to rural Ireland, such as
Kingspan in Cavan, Mincon in Shannon and
Combilift in Monaghan.
According to Bobby Mulligan, Chair of
Guaranteed Irish, “At a time where Ireland
needs to diversify and not depend so heavily
on its nearest neighbour, Guaranteed Irish is
a critical tool for every business. It gets us in
the door.”
Bord Na Móna CEO, Mike Quinn says: “I
have fond memories of Guaranteed Irish as a
school kid from my copy book. It is respect-
Managing Director of Tegral Ireland (who gives every member
were founding members of Guaranteed Irish a tool to connect with
43 years ago), Paddy Kelly considers Guaran- other Irish diaspora,
and .
teed Irish part of the Irish DNA. “It immedi-
ately connects with all Irish business leaders
who are in a position
to open doors in new tod a y
today. It connects with people and that drives markets.
sales, it’s as simple as that.” Looking to the future, Mark
Michael McLoughlin, CEO Amárach Re- Keller of Dairygold, says “Guaranteed
search, thinks “it’s great to see it re-emerging Irish represents all that is positive for Ireland
in the current climate. If we didn’t have it, we to support our market development strategy.
would have to create it. We are lucky to have For household and DIY products Ireland is
it.” perceived as green, safe, clean, modern, smart
KPMG Director, Carmel Logan, says: “Plan- and an economy that punches well above its
board (which CGBC
ISO leading Irish
company and
NSAI) requires applicants
to satisfy criteria to be
admitted as a member, based
on the three core pillars: jobs,
community and provenance. Once
approved, they benefit from PR, marketing,
events, aswell as CSR and lobbying activities.
Guaranteed Irish believes we are ‘All
together better’. Visit www.guaranteedirish.ie
to learn more.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Brid O’Connell, Mike Quinn, Mark Keller, Paddy Kelly, Michael McLoughlin, Bobby Mulligan, Carmel Logan,
CEO, Guaranteed CEO, Bord na Móna Head of Sales & Managing Director, CEO, Amárach Managing Director, Tax Director,
Irish Marketing, Dairygold Tegral Building Research Gem Pack Foods KPMG Ireland
Food Ingredients Products Limited

12 GUARANTEED IRISH Irish Independent I 14 September 2017