Founded in October 2021 by Cathal McDaid and Billy FitzGerald, FitzMac Ltd has quickly established itself as a leading modular building supplier and contractor in Ireland.
Focused on providing innovative building solutions to the Irish construction sector through Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), FitzMac has hit the ground running by successfully managing and delivering multiple public sector projects, particularly for the Department of Education. The company delivers state-of-the-art modern premium prefabricated modular buildings from its production facility which was opened in Newcastle West, Co. Limerick. FitzMac has grown to employ over 12 people directly and many more on a subcontract basis. The company is committed to being at the cutting edge of construction innovation.
By utilising this modern method of producing buildings, FitzMac has been able to secure a steady pipeline of projects in what is a fast-growing sector throughout Ireland. It offers many rapid-build modular building products for both the commercial and residential sectors using the FitzMac-designed Modular Building System along with other products, including Transpack modular and site accommodation products to suit all needs.
The company prides itself on satisfying its clients’ needs in a cost and time-effective manner without compromising on quality in comparison to other construction methods.
While FitzMac is a relatively new company, its directors have a wealth of experience and expertise in construction. Both hailing from nearby Askeaton, Cathal McDaid and Billy FitzGerald are long-time friends who had worked together in the past before deciding to set up their own business. Prior to that, both Billy & Cathal had worked overseas for many years.
Cathal has a degree in Civil Engineering and also holds a graduate diploma in Project Management, while Billy is a Chartered Construction Manager by profession.
They are supported by their Senior Management team, including General Manager Liam Behan along with a highly-skilled and capable workforce, and the same tried and trusted subcontractors.
“We’ve known each for 20-35 years and both share a passion for construction,” Cathal explains.
“I spent 10 years managing and delivering infrastructure and development projects in Australia, Africa and Asia, while Billy lived and worked in the UK and Australia for about the same length of time. Billy has extensive experience managing multi-million pound projects in London for Tier 1 Main Contractors and has particular expertise in superstructures and fitout.
“After returning to Ireland, we both ended up working together for a company in which I led the Project & Contracts Division, while Billy headed up the Production & Manufacturing division of the business.”
FitzMac can take your concept from feasibility right through to turnkey handover, providing a full Design & Build service. Manufacturing materials are fully prefabricated off-site and are delivered to FitzMac’s facility in “stick form”. The steel portal frame is fully assembled and fitted out at the FitzMac Manufacturing Facility by the manufacturing team.
The External Wall System varies on clients’ requirements with options including Insulated Wall Panel System (single layer) and External Wall Systems (multi-layer). Multiple finishes are available, including architectural cladding, render finish and / or brick and stone cladded.
Once the manufacturing process is complete, the modules are wrapped using recyclable shrink wrapping to make sure they are weathertight for transport to site.
The modular units are transported via an escorted truck low loader convoy to the site for installation. They are lifted into place by a Hiab or mobile crane and are bolted together to create the desired superstructure. Once the modules are in place, immediate works take place to ensure building weathertightness.
FitzMac can provide variable levels of finishes pending clients’ requirements. At the handover stage, FitzMac provides the required design and build Building Control (Amendments) Regulations Certification along with a full Operation and Maintenance manual.
“We went through a detailed design phase following the establishment of FitzMac to develop the FitzMac Modular System before opening our manufacturing facility in Newcastle West in 2022. Since then, we have produced over 12,000 sq. ft. of school space alone,” Billy says.
“The Department of Education is leading the way and embracing the acceptance of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) in Ireland. To give the credit, they have driven the specification of these buildings to rival all other methods of construction. Our modules have a 60-year structural design life and come with a 30-year guarantee. They are all A-rated energy efficient buildings.
“While we have concentrated predominantly on the commercial market up until now, we see massive opportunities emerging in the residential sector in which we are eager to try and lead the way on. To this end, we’re a long way through the design of sustainable rapid-build housing. We are fully expecting Ireland to follow the UK and other EU countries by looking at MMC for the provision of housing given the ongoing housing demand requirements.”
FitzMac places a strong emphasis on its people and as such, continually endeavours to ensure that all employees have a chance to reach their potential through training, further education and professional development.
“We have a strong focus in continually providing training to our staff for upskilling which has most definitely played a role that has been integral to our success,” Cathal adds.
“We are all about keeping business local, and promoting local jobs and enterprise. One of our main suppliers, for example, is Tadhg O’Connor Ltd in Rathkeale, only a couple miles down the road, while O’Neill Haulage in Hospital looks after most of our transport needs.”
FitzMac has delivered several projects for the Department of Education to date, including Coláiste An Spioraid Naoimh in Bishopstown and St Mary’s Secondary School in Mallow among others along with their civil construction partners Liam Whelan Plant Hire.
As their company continues to go from strength to strength, FitzMac would like to take this opportunity to thank their clients and suppliers for their support as well as their staff and subcontractors for their hard work, dedication and expertise.
Cathal and Billy would also like to give a special thanks to their families for their support and understanding, especially during the start-up phase.
FitzMac Ltd
Unit 1-2,
Castlelands Business Park,
Ballinvullin,
Newcastle West,
Co. Limerick,
V42 KF99.
Telephone: 069 29520
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.fitzmac.ie
This article was published in Building Ireland Magazine, August 2023, Vol 9 No 8
