HG Construction’s reputation as a leading building solutions provider to the pharmaceutical sector was recognised recently when it was named ‘Best Pharmaceutical Building Solutions – Co. Cork’ at the 2021 Irish Enterprise Awards.
Based in Watergrasshill, HG Construction Ire Ltd is also involved in the petrochemical, education, housing, fitout, heritage, industrial, hospitality, healthcare and retail sectors. It is a sister company of RH Site Maintenance Ltd which provides maintenance services to the pharmaceutical industry and was founded by the late Ron Hennessy in 1986.
RH Site Maintenance’s success led to Ron’s son, Ronnie, setting up HG Construction Ire in 2003 to meet the demand for construction projects in pharma and other sectors. By working together, both companies have reaped the benefits and continue to grow and complement each other.
Like RH Site Maintenance, HG Construction Ire prides itself on the level of professionalism that its team is able to bring to every project. Superior workmanship, attention to detail, value-for-money and a commitment to working closely with clients to deliver total satisfaction are the hallmarks of this well-run company. Health & Safety is at the core of the business, and never more so than in this COVID-19 age.
HG Construction’s 40-strong team, which consists of quantity surveyors, engineers, safety officers, site managers, general operatives, tradesmen and administration personnel, deliver projects on time and within budget, while maintaining the company’s Grade A Safe-T-Cert and ISO accreditations. The Co Cork-based firm is also a member of the CIF, Homebond and the Master Builders & Contractors Association. Furthermore, all employees are registered with the Construction Workers’ Pension Scheme.
“Our broad-based experience and expertise in all areas of construction is one of our key strengths,” Ronnie says.
“This allows us to look after all aspects of a project, from concept to completion. While we’re self-sufficient and can draw down labour as required, we work with outside consultants on various aspects of design-build work also and enjoy an excellent relationship with them.”
HG Construction’s reputation for quality construction is borne out by the high volume of repeat business and referrals it receives from satisfied customers in both the private and public sectors. Securing work on a long-term basis has been a key part of the company’s growth, and it works hard to ensure that loyalty is rewarded with an unrivalled service.
“More than 90% of our business is repeat or referral,” explains Ronnie, who heads up the company along with contracts director Ronan O’Regan.
“We’ve made our name by sticking to project work. When there were opportunities in development, we made the decision to stick to what we’re good at. As the property market shifted during the last recession, we were able to maintain our position in the market, still running our successful business model. Being so focused on this area means our team is able to be more flexible in how they operate too.”
The building and civil engineering firm boasts a wide and varied client-base which includes MSD, LEO Pharma, Cork Simon Community, Stryker, Ferrero, COPE, HSE, UCC, OPW, Pepsi, Respond Housing and local authorities such as Cork City Council and Cork County Council. It is equally adept at working in live pharmaceutical environments as on social housing schemes.
Through every stage of the operation, value-for-money is paramount. There is no big variation in the bill when a contract ends as the team ensures that their work is completed to precise calculations. This is a boon in the pharmaceutical industry as companies often need work done at an accelerated rate to match the pace of their growth. Where possible, HG Construction will try to complete work ahead of schedule in order to meet the client’s requirements.
The team’s repeat business ensures they have a unique perspective of how to handle the more niche demands of the pharmaceutical sector, building up specialist knowledge on how to work well in a clean environment. The company’s services are always in demand thanks to the high standards and excellent safety procedures it applies.
HG Construction’s success at the 2021 Irish Enterprise Awards was well-deserved. Now in its fourth year of showcasing exemplary Irish business, the awards programme continues to highlight and recognise the enterprises that are thriving across Ireland.
“We were delighted to win the award. We put a lot of time and effort into everything we do and it reflects very well on our people. It’s a real team effort here,” the affable managing director continues.
“We manage pharma work well. It takes a lot of time and resources, but we’re lucky to have extensive experience in that area.”
While HG Construction’s name is synonymous with the pharma sector, Ronnie is keen to highlight its involvement in other areas.
“We don’t want to be pigeon-holed as a building solutions provider to the pharmaceutical industry only. We’re very active across all sectors, from residential and education to hospitality and healthcare. We’re multi-disciplined and can turn our hand to anything,” he stresses.
Team building is very important to HG Construction who take part in regular team building events and social outings for staff. The company also supports local organisations such as the GAA and community groups.
As HG Construction continues to go from strength to strength, Ronnie would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to all the team, and to thank the company’s clients and suppliers for their ongoing support.
Look out for its new website which is launching soon.
HG Construction Irl Ltd
Unit 7A,
Watergrasshill Business Park,
Watergrasshill,
Co. Cork.
Telephone: 021 4889064
Fax: 021 4889065
Email: [email protected]
This article was published in Building Ireland Magazine, September, Vol 7 No 9
