Celebrating 45 years in business, Premier Engineering Ltd is a leading main contractor specialising in timber frame manufacturing, civil engineering works and turnkey developments.
The multi-faceted family business has earned an enviable reputation for delivering high-quality construction projects on time and within budget in a safe and sustainable manner. Outstanding workmanship, value-for-money, versatility and an unwavering commitment to Health & Safety are the hallmarks of the Holycross, Co. Tipperary-based company which continues to go from strength to strength.
Premier Engineering Ltd was founded in 1979 by the late Danny O’Keeffe and his wife Margaret, daughter of local hurling legend and eight-time All-Ireland winner John Doyle. Since Danny’s passing at the relatively young age of 57 in 2011, the company has been run by Margaret and her sons Adrian and Barry. Margaret, Barry and his wife Anne-Marie are also directors of a sister company called BMA Groundworks which was established in 2016 and specialises in civil works.
“We started out as a small engineering business making farm gates and accessories. We evolved from there into building one-off houses and then housing developments,” Margaret explains.
“We continue to trade as Premier Engineering, even though we’re well-established main contractors at this stage. Our attitude to the company name has always been, ‘if it’s not broken, don’t fix it’.”
The O’Keeffe family are joined in the thriving operation by 43 direct employees who are supported and supplemented by the same tried and trusted subcontractors and design teams. GK Plumbing & Heating, DMES Electrical, DND Electrical, Davasi Construction and New Tohan Décor are just some of the subcontractors Premier Engineering Ltd is currently collaborating with on projects in Dublin and Cork.
“Our people are our greatest asset. We’d be nothing without them,” Margaret stresses.
“From Majella, Helena and Mary in the office to the lads working on site and in our timber frame manufacturing facility, it’s a top-class team with a wealth of experience and expertise. Our company’s success is based on our highly-skilled people who continuously update and improve their skill sets through accredited training.
“We enjoy an excellent working relationship with subcontractors, designers and clients alike. We try to be as self-sufficient as possible. For example, we only make timber frame products for ourselves at our new premises in Littleton, which is headed up by Seamus Doyle. We have three articulated trucks and trailers to look after our transport needs. Both Premier Engineering and BMA Groundworks operate their own plant. We have strategic people in key positions which has allowed us to grow and prosper.”
Experts in both traditional block and timber frame construction, Premier Engineering Ltd operates in compliance with all building regulations and in conjunction with local authorities for all civil works. The company is a registered member of Homebond and is fully NSAI audited and compliant. It also holds a tax clearance certificate, ISO accreditation, all relevant Health & Safety and insurance certificates as well as all-Ireland waste environmental permits.
“We place a big emphasis on Health & Safety, quality and sustainability. Ardlee Consulting are our Health & Safety consultants, while Adrian is responsible for compliance.”
Premier Engineering Ltd has undertaken many large housing and civil projects in the public and private sectors nationwide. It recently completed a mixed development of 100 two and three-bed houses and two-bed apartments at Newfoundwell Road in Drogheda for Viaduct Developments on behalf of Clúid Housing. As it was built during the Covid-19 pandemic, the project faced many unforeseen challenges, all of which were successfully overcome.
“We got around some of the Covid restrictions that were in place at the time by building temporary accommodation with a timber frame structure which allowed our crew to live and stay on site. We were the first construction company to do this,” the affable company director proudly recalls.
“The lads had their own room and ensuite, while there was also a common area capable of accommodating 50 people. It was like a home from home, and was also economically viable as no-one had to commute to work or stay in a B&B or hotel. The same structure is still in use elsewhere. We were one of the first construction companies to implement the CIF’s Return to Work Safety Protocol.”
Premier Engineering Ltd is currently delivering two more social and affordable housing schemes in Hollystown, Dublin and Ringaskiddy, Cork. Hollystown is a mixed development of 50 units for Compass on behalf of Clúid Housing, while Ringaskiddy is a 15-home development for Cork County Council. Margaret’s nephew Jacko Doyle is foreman on the Ringaskiddy project and David Thompson is overseeing the Hollystown scheme.
In addition, BMA Groundworks is carrying out civil works on a large warehousing project in Coldwinters, Dublin in conjunction with Newpark Developments for overseas investors. The foreman on this project is PJ O’Dwyer.
“We’re extremely busy and have another social and affordable housing project starting soon in Mallow. It’s great to get work in Cork because it’s only down the road from us. While business is flying at the moment, I would never get complacent because things can change very quickly. We saw that back in 2008 when the recession hit and we had to relocate our operations to the UK in order to survive,” Margaret adds.
Passionate about construction, Premier Engineering Ltd would like to take this opportunity to thank its clients, suppliers, architects, design teams and subcontractors for their continued support as well as its staff for their hard work, dedication and skill.
Here’s to the next 45 years of this exceptional family business!
Premier Engineering Ltd
Glenbane,
Holycross,
Thurles,
Co Tipperary.
Telephone: 353 504 43612
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.premierengineering.ie
This article was published in Building Ireland Magazine, November 2024, Vol 10 No 11
