Diversity is one of the keys to being successful in the construction industry as the more services a company provides, the more work they can tender for and this in turn sees their portfolio of projects increase.
To this end, Kendra Enterprises has a portfolio burgeoning with work that they have done over the past 21 years in business. Company Managing Director Dan Curtis spoke to Building Ireland about the services that they provide to their large customer base.
There are three facets to the company, and they are Kendra Developments, Kendra Civil Engineering and Kendra Plant Hire. Put all together and the company can offer a turnkey service in the residential, commercial and industrial sectors.
In civil engineering, Dan and his team deliver infrastructural projects in Power, Water, Telecommunications, Broadband, Drainage and Commercial Building in both challenging urban environments and sensitive rural landscapes whilst at the same time being committed to its Safety at Work culture in the workplace which is of paramount importance.
“Our Kendra Developments Ltd subsidiary successfully builds architecturally-inspired new homes and extensions to exacting standards using up to date innovative technologies and products.
Our aim is to build economically in an energy-efficient manner to create sustainable building solutions. We work collaboratively with our Clients to assist in enabling them to realise their vision.
We recognise that the ongoing training and development of our management and operatives is essential for consistency and excellence in delivering projects thus assisting our business to prosper,” said Dan.
Two years ago, and with an extensive range of plant at their disposal, Dan took the decision to start up a plant hire business to compliment the other services provided.
“Our plant includes a full range of mini-excavators and breakers, various sized dumpers, telescopic handlers, rollers of various types, concrete saws of all sizes, height for hire equipment, compactors, generators, drills, skill-saws and a selection of power tools, so we felt there was an opportunity to start a plant hire business and it has been going very well so far. We can offer plant as self-drive or trained operator driven as appropriate to the customer needs.”
Offering such a wide range of services has seen the client base increase considerably over the years and they can call local authorities, the ESB and other state bodies, as well as many reputable construction companies as their clients.
“We would have a large portfolio of clients, many of who we would do a lot of repeat custom for. One of our biggest clients would be Collen Construction who we would be working with for over ten years now. We have had a great working relationship since.”
Dan admits that his big break came nine years earlier when the company was still in its infancy and they were awarded a prestigious project for Dublin City Council.
“In 2001, we did the groundworks on the Luas Line and that was a massive project for us at the time. It really set us up and to be honest, we have been busy ever since.
“Even through the recession, we were kept going as we were working for the council and the ESB, which we were very grateful for.”
Since then, the family run business, which is based in Kingswood, Baldonnell, Dublin 22 has been involved in projects from housing developments to groundworks.
“We would do a good few new builds, extensions, renovations, while we are currently working on a gym at Kildare GAA’s Centre of Excellence in Hawkfield, although that project is on hold at the moment due to the lockdown. We have also completed astro turf pitches for the Castlemitchel and Rheban GAA clubs.
Speaking of the lockdown, Dan admitted that it has affected them like it has the majority of companies involved in the construction industry.
“We would be at half-mast so to speak. We have essential work ongoing. Hopefully, we can get back fully operational in the coming weeks. There is plenty of work out there at the moment.”
Providing such a wide range of services means that the company need an employee base of 50 people, many of whom have been there years, and all play their part in the success of the business.
“We would have guys with us here ranging from 15 to 30 years. I’ve a good, experienced team and we would do the majority of the work inhouse and we wouldn’t use many sub-contractors. We recognise that the ongoing training and development of our management and operatives is essential for consistency and excellence in delivering projects thus assisting our business to prosper.”
The next generation of Curtis is already heavily involved in the business as Dan’s son Danny is a director of the business as they look to the future.
Another service provided by the company is their sister company ECS Recruitment which was established 18 months ago.
“I used to use agencies, but half the time, guys wouldn’t turn up, so we decided to set up our own business and we would have lads come work for us first and we see what they are like before putting them through the agency, it is my reputation that is at stake at the end of the day.”
Dan is pleased with the direction of the business and he feels that there is scope for expansion if the skilled workers were there, but for the moment he is happy to continue providing the loyal and efficient service that his clients have become accustomed too over the past two decades.
“We have had continued growth in the business over the past number of years and it would be nice to keep that going, but the shortage of skilled workers is something that is holding us back, so for the foreseeable future, the aim is to continue providing the services we are and ensure that we maintain that high level of service we are known for in the industry.”
Contact Details:
Kendra Civil Engineering Irl Ltd,
Kingswood,
Baldonnell,
Dublin 22
Phone: +353(0)14595390
Fax: +353(0)14595387
Email: info@kendra
This article was published in Building Ireland Magazine, May, Vol 7 No 5
