Trading for over 45 years, Multicrete Agri-Products Ltd is a leading supplier of Readymix concrete and precast products to the agriculture, construction and DIY sectors in the North-West. The family-run business prides itself on its top-quality products and exceptional customer service.
Based in Killygordon, Co. Donegal, Multicrete Agri-Products was established by Pat Lafferty in 1977 and has been a limited company since 1994. Pat is joined in the business by his son Patrick and wife Joan who are supported by a 35-strong team. Pat initially specialised in precast concrete products before branching into Readymix in 2010.
Nowadays, the company supplies a wide range of products, including Readymix concrete, lintels and window cills, chimney caps, kerbing, cattle slats, septic tanks, water storage tanks, cattle drinkers, wall caps, sand & gravel, drainage, crushed stone, washed stone, decorative stone and general concrete products.
Nominated for the Donegal County Enterprise Board’s ‘Best Business of the Year’ in 2007, Multicrete Agri-Products is constantly investing in its fleet, equipment, people and production methods to produce the very best precast products. It is currently running about 20 trucks, which include a dozen Readymix lorries, four tractor units for haulage and two delivery trucks.
With regulations and standards of the concrete business ever-changing, Pat installed a fully-functioning testing laboratory a number of years ago which includes a cube testing machine, cube curing bath and the employment of a full-time Quality Assurance Engineer to carry out the testing. Multicrete Agri-Products is NSAI-certified in concrete production IS EN 206:2013 as well as Factory Production Control for linear structural elements (beams) and cattle slats. The cattle slats are also certified by the Department of Agriculture for grant qualification.
“Contrary to what our name suggests, our business is divided equally between the agri and construction sectors, while we also cater for many DIY enthusiasts,” Patrick Lafferty explains.
“Our main customers are farmers, construction companies, builders’ providers, private individuals, co-ops, Uisce Éireann and Donegal County Council, who we work both directly and indirectly for. About 60% of our products are exported to Northern Ireland which isn’t surprising considering we are just four miles from the border. Our Readymix and precast production facilities operate from the same site in Killygordon, which is four-five acres in size.
“We have a glowing reputation and wealth of experience in trade. We cover every corner of Donegal as well as the neighbouring counties across the border. We provide a good product and a good service, and are virtually self-sufficient. We buy in the sand & gravel and use local mechanics to maintain and service the fleet, but everything else is done inhouse.”
The Readymix wagons are mostly Volvo, while the tractor units comprise three Scania and one DAF. Precast products such as cattle slats and septic tanks are delivered with a Renault rigid with a Palfinger crane attached. The fleet bears distinctive gold and white trim, and is always immaculately turned out. Behind the wheel of every Multicrete truck is a reliable, experienced and courteous driver.
Multicrete Agri-Products’ concrete mixes are designed and produced to comply with the performance specified: to produce the desired strength, durability, workability and finish, and to meet the design life of that mix. Semi-dry and kerb mix are available to collect from the yard or can be delivered directly to the customer.
Fibre reinforced concrete and floor screed is also available on request, as is concrete admixture. Concrete is available in a range of strengths from C15/20 to C40/45 and in aggregate sizes from 10mm to 20mm. Pump mixes within the same range of strengths are also provided.
If you are renovating or building a new home, doing a self-build or are a contractor, Multicrete Agri-Products have what you need for any stage of the project build, from septic tanks and blocks to window sills and chimney caps.
The company also has a wide variety of quarried stone and sand available for collection or delivery. This includes 4” crusher run, 3” clean stone, 804 quarry dust, 20mm limestone chip, 10mm limestone chip, 20mm washed stone, washed building sand and coloured washed stone. Garden products range from kerbs and dwarf walls to water channels, pier caps and paving slabs.
In addition, Multicrete Agri-Products is a leading producer of an extensive range of agricultural products, including grant-approved cattle slats, multipurpose cattle slats, fencing posts, beam certified to standards IS EN 13225:2013, mixing points and L wall dividers.
“The Finn Valley, where we’re located, is a strong dairy area which means we have an awful lot of dairy farmers on our books. We supply a huge amount of cattle slats and other agri-related products,” Patrick adds.
As the long-established family business continues to go from strength to strength, the Laffertys would like to take this opportunity to thank their customers and suppliers for their support as well as their staff for their hard work, dedication and expertise.
Multicrete Agri-Products Ltd
The Bower,
Killygordon,
Co. Donegal,
F93 DK54.
Telephone: 074 914 9103
Email: [email protected]
This article was published in Building Ireland Magazine, December 2023, Vol 9 No 12
