Celebrating 25 years in business, Cross Fabrications Ltd in Borrisoleigh, Co. Tipperary has firmly established itself as a leading name in stainless steel fabrication and pipework.
Also specialising in mild steel and aluminium fabrication, these are exciting times for the family-run business which is adding a second workshop, has doubled the size of its workforce over the past five years and continues to invest in cutting-edge technology. Cross Fabrications provides clients with a comprehensive range of services, from general fabrication to a more specialised product, with its hands-on founder and managing director Paudie Meehan involved in every job, from design right through to the finished product.
“We’re going from strength to strength,” enthuses Paudie, who is a metal fabricator by trade and is joined in the business by his wife Margaret.
“We recently purchased three acres adjacent to our existing premises on which we plan to build a second workshop. It will bring our floor space to 34,000 sq. ft., which is almost double what we have at the moment.
“We’ve also invested in flatbed and tube laser cutting machines that will speed up production and enhance quality. These investments will enable us to grow alongside our valued clients and meet their needs. Laser cutting is a huge part of our business and is something we’re very strong on.
“But our greatest asset is our people. We have a dedicated and highly-skilled team of 20 based in the office and workshop who continue to drive the business forward. They are involved from design right through to manufacture and installation. Their goal is to ensure complete customer satisfaction. At a time when good staff are difficult to come by, we’re very lucky to have them.”
Cross Fabrications boasts a large and loyal client list that includes Glenveagh Homes, Glanua, BBL (Borrisoleigh Bottling Ltd), Rosderra Meats, Lidl, Duggan Bros and Tipperary County Council.
“We have great customers who have stuck with us through thick and thin,” Paudie explains.
“Most of them are engaged in the water, construction and food sectors. We carry out work and projects for them on an ongoing basis. We do pipework for Glanua and BBL, and pipework, steel metal work and maintenance for Rosderra Meats.
“We also supply building contractors with stainless steel and mild steel pedestrian bridges, staircases, handrails, access covers and ladders. We can design and manufacture any product to their exact specifications. We also recently designed and manufactured a trolley bay structure for Lidl.
“There is a lot of variety to what we do. No two jobs are the same. The variety of the work keeps us busy and ensures we aren’t reliant on any one sector. I learned a long time ago not to put all my eggs into one basket.”
Asked what gives Cross Fabrications the edge over its competitors, Paudie replies: “It’s our experience and expertise. Our draughtsmen in the office are experienced in steelwork design and drawings. The job has to be right and cost-effective, and we never fail in that regard.
“Our state-of-the-art machinery and equipment also stand to us. We provide a top-class and reliable service that helps us to retain customers and attract new ones. All of our work is secured through word of mouth and referrals. We don’t rely on social media. Our work speaks for itself.”
Reflecting on the last quarter of a century, the affable Tipp man adds: “I don’t know where the time has gone – it has flown by! From humbling beginnings, we have built up a good business with great customers, suppliers and staff. Things have changed a lot over the years. The work is a lot more drawings- and computer-based now. The equipment we use is also much more advanced.
“Furthermore, there is a far greater emphasis on Health & Safety and sustainability. The health and wellbeing of our team is paramount.”
Paudie would like to take this opportunity to thank his customers and suppliers for their continued support as well as his staff for their dedication, skill and hard work. He is also grateful for the support of his wife Margaret and children Anna, Michelle, Moira and Patrick.
Here’s to the next 25 years!
Cross Fabrications Ltd
Ileigh Road,
Borrisoleigh,
Thurles,
Co. Tipperary,
E41 CT82.
Telephone: 0504 50005 / 087 228 9547
This article was published in Building Ireland Magazine, September 2026, Vol 12 No 9
