A leading provider of low-voltage switchgear to the Irish construction sector for over 25 years, Argand Switchgear was delighted to win a John Sisk & Son Supply Chain Partner of the Year Award recently.
Sensori Facilities Management (Sensori FM), who are part of the Sisk family and are one of Argand Switchgear’s key clients, nominated the Co. Kildare-based family business for the coveted accolade which was presented at the annual awards at The Convention Centre, Dublin on Friday, November 24 last. One of the social highlights of the year, the John Sisk & Son Supply Chain Awards recognise excellence among Sisk’s supply chain partners across Ireland and Europe, and show appreciation for all the great work done together.
Sisk spends over €1 billion annually across its supply chain of almost 8,000 companies. Over 70 sub-contractors and suppliers were shortlisted for awards, having been nominated by each of Sisk’s business units and procurement respectively. Each business unit then selected its ‘Best Supply Chain Partner of the Year’ from the proposed shortlist following a thorough evaluation process.
It was the second year in-a-row that Argand Switchgear was shortlisted which is a major achievement in itself.
“To win the award this year is hard to put into words,” Argand Switchgear director Mark Lord enthuses.
“It’s massive for our business and brilliant recognition for the hard work that our team puts into each and every project. The exposure and opportunities it presents is fantastic. It opens up our network further. John Sisk & Son are a massive organisation and we can’t thank them and Sensori Facilities Management enough.”
Argand Switchgear and Sensori Facilities Management have worked closely together on many projects over the last decade. Some notable Sensori FM and Sisk projects which Argand Switchgear is currently working on or has recently completed include – numerous Department of Education and OPW projects for Sensori FM; Bonham Street Redevelopment for Sensori FM and Sisk; 2 Grand Parade for DMG Engineering and Sisk; Cooper’s Cross for Designer Group and Sisk; TC4 Cherrywood) for Cosgrove Electrical and Sisk.
“We have collaborated with Sensori on many school rollout projects which are to the highest standards of specification and have worked closely with them on numerous OPW projects over the years.”
Argand Switchgear was founded over a quarter of a century ago by managing director Frank Lord to supply low-voltage switchgear to the Irish market. The company has gone from strength to strength and is continuing to grow sustainably with a view to the future. Frank’s son Mark came on board in 2016 and the company now employs 25 people at its manufacturing facility in Clane. Continuous and strategic growth will see the business double its floor space and capacity in the first quarter of 2024 with the expansion of its facility.
“We are looking to take full advantage of the opportunities that are presented to our business. We have a busy and healthy pipeline of secured work for 2024. With our planned expansion and increased capacity, we also hope to secure further exciting and varied projects in the coming years. We work on projects across all industry sectors for our clients, who include blue-chip M&E and electrical contractors,” Mark says.
Argand has an experienced team of specialists in their field, many that have been with the business for most, if not all, of their careers. With an emphasis on promotion and upskilling from within, the team has grown organically as the business has grown. As a registered Solas apprentice provider, the company is consistently involved in developing the next generation of switchgear electricians. Further to this, Argand has a close relationship with TUD and a number of their electricians have pursued further studies to an engineering level with the University.
Argand Switchgear has built up and continues to develop strong relationships with many of the industry’s leading electrical contractors.
“We consider one of our key USP’s to be the relationships we have built with our customers over the years. These relationships are based upon a strong work ethic, delivering an on time and quality product and what we feel is an industry leading project-life and aftercare service,” Mark adds.
The company designs and builds the highest quality LV Switchgear encompassing Distribution Boards, Control Panels, PFC Units, MCC and ATS panels for numerous sectors of the construction industry. All manufacturing is carried out in-house and each panel is produced in line with rigorous company quality procedures and safety testing, and in line with all relevant industry standards.
Argand engages in projects throughout Ireland and internationally across the commercial, education, industrial, government, large residential, pharmaceutical and data centre sectors.
Furthermore, Argand Switchgear has built long-term and successful relationships with its carefully selected suppliers. Through building up a successful and proven supply chain, the family business is able to offer quality and cost-effective solutions to its clients’ needs. The company works with industry-leading, innovative brands and carefully reviews all supplier offerings on a regular basis to ensure that its offerings can incorporate the most modern, efficient and cost-effective technology.
The award-winning low-voltage switchgear provider would like to take this opportunity to thank its customers and suppliers for their continued support as well as its high-calibre team for their hard work, dedication and expertise.
Argand Switchgear
Unit A2 & A3
Clane Business Park,
Clane,
Co. Kildare.
Telephone: 045 893 692
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.argand.ie
This article was published in Building Ireland Magazine, April 2024, Vol 10 No 4
