Experts in precision and steel fabrication solutions since 1993, ARD Precision (IRL) Ltd was delighted to be named among the winners at the recent John Sisk & Son Supply Chain Awards for 2021.
The Galway-based company received the ‘Supply Chain Partner of the Year – Ireland South, West & North’ accolade at the awards ceremony which took place in the Round Room, Mansion House, Dublin on Thursday, November 11 last. The awards recognise excellence among Sisk’s supply chain partners across Ireland and Europe, and shows appreciation for all the great work done together.
Sisk spends over €1 billion annually across its supply chain of 7,856 companies, 4,744 of which have been engaged by their Irish and European operations in the past 24 months. 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 great to host this event after last year’s cancellation (due to Covid). This was a great opportunity to recognise our supply chain partners for their great work with us and to finally meet face-to-face again,” outgoing John Sisk & Son CEO Stephen Bowcott said.
As a company which has gained an enviable reputation for manufacturing high-quality medium-to-large fabricated structures such as wind turbine towers, bridges and all types of structural steel, ARD Precision was a worthy winner. Located in Ardrahan, Co. Galway, ARD (which is the Irish for ‘high’) Precision is a family-run business that was set up by managing director Joe Brady almost 30 years ago and continues to go from strength to strength.
“We have enjoyed an excellent working relationship with John Sisk & Son since 2017 and are delighted to win this award,” Joe says.
“We’re currently involved in a number of projects with Sisk in our local area, including Bonham Quay in Galway Docks, the A&E extension at University Hospital Galway as well as the Boston Scientific and Medtronic sites. The award is great recognition for our business and reflects well on our entire team.”
ARD Precision boasts an impressive client-list which includes ESB, Iarnrod Eireann, EWwS and many companies involved in the wind energy sector. It is currently carrying out a wide range of projects, from water treatment plants components for Irish Water projects, wind turbine towers and rail works to ESB and structural steel projects.
“Many of our customers are involved in the renewable energy, waste water, construction, agriculture and pharmaceutical sectors. Most of our structural steel work is concentrated in the Galway area.”
ARD Precision is CE certified to EN 1090-2 and ISO 9001:2015, covering the manufacture of wind turbine towers and all types of steel structures, including bridges. It has also achieved Fire Resistance to BS EN 1634-1:2014 on the ARD 30-60 1 Hour Fire Doors.
The company has invested heavily in its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in recent times. The facility is kitted out with a wide range of the latest CNC equipment, including a CNC press brake with up to 12-metres and 800-tonne capacity and a CNC high-definition plasma.
ARD Precision’s latest investment are a Voortman CNC drill and saw line, and a Gietart automated shot-blaster. The Galway firm also recently took delivery of a Manitou 360 telehandler which is used for the erection of medium-sized structures.
One of ARD Precision’s greatest assets is its people. The company has a dedicated team of 22 employees comprising draughtsmen / detailing, quantity surveyors, CNC operators, welders, fitters and steel erecting personnel.
“We have great staff who are professional, highly-skilled and reliable. Their hard work has been integral to our growth over the years. It’s a real team effort,” Joe stresses.
ARD Precision also prides itself on being a family business which is always accessible to clients and provides the personal touch. In recent years, Joe has been joined by his son Kieran, who is a mechanical engineer by profession, and also by his younger son James, who is showing a keen interest in the business. And not forgetting his wife Bernadette, who has been a huge support to him down through the years.
When asked what gives ARD Precision the edge over its competitors, Kieran replied: “We’re very proactive and our turnaround time is unrivalled. We’ll do whatever it takes to deliver a project on budget and on time. We’re always there for our customers, seven days a week if needs be.
“We’re also the only company of our kind in Ireland to specialise in sub arc welding, which involves the formation of an arc between a continuously fed electrode and the work piece.”
As it approaches its 30th anniversary, ARD Precision would like to take this opportunity to thank its clients and suppliers for their continued support.
ARD Precision (IRL) Ltd
Barratreana,
Ardrahan,
Co. Galway.
Telephone: 091 635 465
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.ardprecision.com
This article was published in Building Ireland Magazine, March 2022, Vol 8 No 3
