“We are always happy to build to order,” agrees Ronan. “After all, people usually want different things: it might be a low profile cab or air conditioning or something else. In 2006 we had a very good year following the liberalisation of the Spanish marketplace and we put 23 PRM units into Spain alone: Groundforce, Clever Handling, Newco and Lesma all bought from us. Our after sales service is important to customers and we have a dedicated team set up.” In an average year the manufacturer sells more than 80 hilifts of all types and counts on 100 sets of self-propelled steps, although it produces no small number of other products such as toilet trucks and towable steps too. It’s not all wine and roses, though. Currently Mallaghan (along with other manufacturers) is finding that component supply can be erratic – or lengthy. “We may be looking at an 8-10 month wait for a Mercedes Benz chassis,” explains Owen. “About a year and a half back Mercedes was quoting just 12 weeks. And it can take almost 18 months to get a Volvo chassis. Buyers, though, have high expectations and want quick delivery but they don’t always appreciate that we won’t begin designing until the order is placed – at which point we’d buy the steel and major components. Right now, we’re quoting six to eight months for delivery of the bigger equipment. “It’s not just chassis supply, though. Engines can be held up and air con units are not always immediately available. The same goes for gearboxes and axles.” 50 APRIL 2008 GHI The company tries to hedge a certain quantity of its steel, which involves submitting its requirements a year ahead of schedule. Both steel and aluminium have gone up in price over recent years so this is simply a common sense approach. That said, it’s quite clear that Mallaghan is mapping out its future. Adjacent to the existing offices and workshops is a building site. Due in April this year is an extension to the main factory that will allow a further 30% to be added to the company’s capacity. And, assuming Ronan and brother Niall can find them, they’ll be recruiting another 45 staff for the existing workforce of more than 150. The changes will go towards reducing the lead time for the company’s products. Also on the company’s agenda is the desire to carve out a niche in the US market. “People are prepared to wait up to a year for our equipment, so it must be okay. But this increase will help the bottleneck. At some point in 2008 we’re introducing another item to our range of GSE,” confides Ronan. “And the same will happen in 2009. With an expanded range we expect to do more business, which is why in the second half of 2009 we’re planning the second phase of our expansion.” With some 24 acres in all available on the current site, there’s certainly enough room for enlarged capacity. And with new products in the pipeline, together with full order books, it looks like busy times lie ahead for the Irish manufacturer. From passenger steps to ambulifts, Irish manufacturer has a growing GSE portfolio.