There are many different aspects to the construction industry, while it offers the opportunity for people in a wide variety of trades.
One that has been forgotten somewhat and is arguably one of the skilled jobs in the trade is formwork or concreting. Formwork in concrete construction is used as a mould for a structure in which fresh concrete is poured only to harden subsequently.
Types of formwork for concrete construction depends on formwork material and type of structural element.
A good formwork should satisfy the following requirements: – Strong enough to withstand all types of dead and live loads – Rigidly constructed and efficiently propped and braced both horizontally and vertically, so as to retain its shape.
One of the leading formwork firms in Leinster is Co Meath based Trim Formworks Ltd, which is owned and operated by husband and wife team Kevin and Edel Griffin.
Established in 2010, the company has made great strides in the last few years and they are now working on projects for some of Ireland’s largest construction companies.
General manager Larry Murtagh spoke to Building Ireland about the projects that they are currently working on at the moment.
The construction industry has been back in full flight for the past 12 to 18 months, particular in Dublin where all the work seems to be centred on at the moment.
Trim Formworks Ltd offer a comprehensive range of services when it comes to their speciality, but a lot of their current work is focused on multi-storey buildings.
“Our work is predominantly on multi-story buildings i.e. office block and apartments. We are currently working on a seven-floor multi-storey office block in Hanover Quay for Bennetts. That project will be concluded at the end of June or early July. We have been involved in a number of projects for them in the last few years,” said Larry.
“Other companies that we would do a lot of work for are Hegarty’s, Cramptons and the Dublin Loft Company. The majority of our work takes place in Dublin as we tend to focus on high rise buildings.
“We had a project in Mulhuddart for Hegarty’s as well where an a pharmaceutical plant was constructed. Business has certainly picked up in the last year or so, which is great to see after a few lean years.”
Employing in the region of 80 people, Trim Formworks Ltd offer the full package as they come in after the groundwork is done and see the project through until the formwork is concluded.
Larry stressed that it was important to do a job to a very high standard as their reputation is at stake.
“We are committed to each and every one of our projects from start to finish. We work with our clients and the sub-contractors of their choice, throughout the design and construction processes to ensure that the end result is upheld to the highest standards.
“If the client was not happy with our work, it would not be long before word got out and you would have difficulty attracting work then. It is always our aim to give the customer what they want.
“The company may be formed only seven years, but between us all there are many years’ experience and we feel that we have the knowledge to deal with any issue or query that a client may have on a project.”
To carry out their work to the standard their clients have become accustomed too, the company need a modern fleet of plant and Larry revealed that they are continuously investing in the business.
“We would probably have around €2 million worth of plant here. Kevin recently purchased a concrete pump costing €300,000, but this is all needed if we are to continue earning tenders for projects.
“The pump is 18 metres in height and it can go higher if it is suspended on the slabs as we go along.”
Maintenance plays a big part in the business also as the plant must be kept in good working order as Larry stated that is an area they focus on meticulously.
“The plant is well maintained. A local mechanic called Davy Gardiner looks after the majority of the fleet. We have two trucks on the road to transport all the machinery. The table is pre-assembled in the yard before the trucks bring it to a job.”
One concern Larry does have for the industry is the lack of young people showing an interest in concrete formwork.
“The majority of the employees here would be non-nationals. It is very hard to get Irish workers; most that have experience are working abroad in either the U.K or Australia, while younger people have no real interest in getting involved in this type of work.”
Health and Safety is also an issue that Trim Formworks Ltd work on to ensure that not only their employees, their clients and anyone else on a project meet the safety standards required.
“There are a lot of restrictions in place now and all have to be adhered too. Method statements of our work must be drawn up, but it is essential to keep on top of all this.”
Larry concluded that the owners are happy with the direction of the business as they actively seek more work.
“We are pricing jobs all the time and like I said earlier, we are busy at the moment and hopefully that will continue for some time to come.”
Contact Details:
Trim Formworks Ltd
Hillview,
Tullaghanogue,
Trim,
Co Meath
+353 (0)46 943 7705
Taken from Building Ireland Magazine, May 2017, Vol 3 No 4
