By any measure it is fair to say that Daniel Whelan Engineering Works Ltd in Borris, Co Carlow are experts when it comes to architectural metalwork. Building Ireland recently had the opportunity to speak with Daniel Whelan to learn more about the company and range of products/services.

They say that success breeds success and it’s hard to argue a case against it when you look at what Daniel Whelan Engineering Works Ltd has achieved over the past 88 years.

A highly respected manufacturer of an ever growing range of architectural steelwork and associated products, the company has carried out high-profile projects throughout Ireland and has built up an extensive customer base firmly built on the traditional values of quality and service.

Daniel Whelan is the proud owner of the business his father founded and has built up the company from its origins as village blacksmith to its present day position in the Irish steelwork industry.

“We are still based here in Borris in Co Carlow and at the moment employ 74 staff full-time,” explained Daniel.

“The company was founded in 1928 and I took over from my father (Jack) in 1972. Essentially, what we do now is architectural and structural steelwork,  supplying many schools nationwide with fencing systems, gates and railings in addition to structural steelwork and also we have recently started manufacturing waste management products.”

Since being established, Daniel Whelan Engineering Works Ltd has grown from the role of traditional village blacksmith serving Borris and the outlying areas to become a state of the art fabrication and manufacturing facility, still based in the small town it was founded in and a proud sponsor of Mount Leinster Rangers GAA club.

As previously mentioned, Daniel took over the running of the company after the passing of his father 44 years ago and in that time has aimed more towards architectural or structural steelwork operating a full factory production control system to support EN1090-1 (CE marking).

Indeed the core business of the company has traditionally been that of architectural metalwork including gates railings etc. for the residential and industrial market. However, after years of ambitious development and researching of market needs a whole new range of products has been developed to enhance this robust forward thinking strategy.

Architectural steelwork, including stair and balcony balustrades, ventilation grills, waste equipment, modular fencing systems and agricultural products have all been incorporated into the company’s range of products and services in recent years.

Daniel commented:  “Having recently supplied balconies, glazed balustrades, stairs and many others products for the Seascape apartments in Clontarf, the Old Golf Club in Dun Laoghaire and Dublin Airport amongst many others we are currently working with Shannon Homes, MKN Property Group, Park Developments Group, Balfour Beatty and many others blue chip companies on landmark projects nationwide.”

He added: “Some of our other previous projects have involved working on the Central Bank in Dublin, the Herbert Park Hotel in Ballsbridge and Irish Distillers to mention a few”

So why choose Daniel Whelan Engineering Works Ltd first above other competitors?

“We have always remained loyal to our commitment to quality and service which I believe is recognised by our customers both new and old,” Daniel outlined.

One of the main strengths of Daniel Whelan Engineering Works Ltd is the ability to progress customer requirements from initial enquiry through estimation, CAD/ design office, fabrication facility and a number of site crews are employed for installation if required.

The CAD/design department operates Autodesk inventor, enabling them to support a customer’s requirements etc. In addition to these state of the art services, they are reputed as restorers of railings and gates from bygone eras and pride themselves on using manufacturing techniques which would have been used by craftsmen from long ago.

Daniel Whelan Engineering Works Ltd have a proven and tested relationship with their partners in galvanising, powder coating, joinery, glazing and consulting engineering and architects. and they would be delighted to discuss any requirements you may have for metalwork or any of their range of  products/services.

To gain a comprehensive view of what Daniel Whelan Engineering can do for you please log on to www.danielwhelanengineering.ie or call 059 977 3178 for further details.

As Daniel himself explained, “Business has really improved in the last couple of years, a lot of previous customers are becoming active once again in the market, there has definitely been a huge improvement and it is great to see this positive trend continuing.”

Never happy to rest on its laurels, the company is determined to continue its expansion in newly formed areas and explore more opportunities to expand market share with a continuing belief in working in partnership with customers of old and those that they have yet to meet.

Daniel Whelan Engineering Works Ltd 
Address: Borris, Co Carlow
Tel: (0)59 977 3178
Web: danielwhelanengineering.ie

Taken from Building Ireland Magazine, Septmber 2016, Vol 2 No 5

Daniel Whelan, Engineering