Nolan Engineering Group marks 50 years in business
The Nolan Engineering Group is celebrating 50 years in business this year.
Established by the late Ned Nolan in his hometown village of Fore in 1974, over the last half a century, the firm has established itself as one of the most respected in its field with a range of satisfied commercial and domestic customers in Ireland and abroad.
In 2010, Ned’s son David took over the business along with a partner, carrying on the great work started by his father. In 2010, David acquired ownership of the firm and as managing director is responsible for the growth of the business.
Currently employing 34 full-time and five part-time staff, the company has grown significantly in recent years, 2024 looks like it will be the busiest yet.
The team comprises fabricators, welders, engineers, project managers and office staff. Nolan Engineering Group also provides an extensive apprentice programme to assist with the growth and demands of the industry.
David says that the secret of the firm’s enduring success is down to hard work and always putting the customer first.
"We have a highly skilled work force who are committed to delivering value for our customers. The team prides itself on being adaptable and offers an agile and customer centric approach to the engineering solutions our clients require."
The Nolan Engineering Group offers a broad array of engineering capabilities supporting customers who operate in the industrial engineering, architectural, medical, dairy, and pharmaceutical sectors:
• Design, development, productions and installation of security gates and railing for commercial properties and private residential houses.
• Load bearing platforms and walkways for commercial and industrial applications
• Design, production, and installation of architectural steel stair/walkways for private and commercial properties
• Factory maintenance for numerous local large international factories
• Maintenance engineers for large international company
• Construction of Cells for robots and machinery
• Pharmaceutical fabrication works.
Company founder Ned passed away in 2020 after a life well lived, but David says that the values and high standards instilled in him by his father continue to be a source of inspiration as their company continues to grow.
For its first four decades, the company operated out a unit in the heart of the village, which was known by all as ‘Ned’s Forge’.
However, the company outgrew its original home and it 2013 moved its operation to its current home in Ankerland.
Proud to be able to provide good quality jobs to locally based employees in the heart of north Westmeath, David says that being able to contribute to the future vibrancy of their rural community is important to him and his colleagues.
"We are very involved in our local hurling and football clubs and like to help them out. We are also involved with the rugby club in Mullingar.
"We help out by buying gear for the local clubs and are happy to support them. Our girls Keela, Emily and Evie are still playing sports and I am a big sports fan too."
Looking ahead, David is optimistic about future of the The Nolan Engineering Group. Half a century after his father started the company, it has grown beyond recognition but one thing has remained the same, it is still a family business and will remain so.
Wife Sarita is now a valued part of the company and David says that the support he receives from her and their daughters helps drive him on.
"None of this would not be possible with our their love and support over the years," he says.
Designed and built in Fore, used the world over
When Ned Nolan established The Nolan Engineering Group, a lot of his custom came from farmers and other businesses in the locality.
Today, half a century later, the firm’s products are being shipped around the world. One of the company’s most valued clients is Mergon, another north Westmeath success story.
In recent years, the firm produced robotic assembly and deflashing cells for use in Mergon factories in Mexico, the Czech Republic and the US.
It’s a sign of how far the company has come and where it sees its future, David Nolan, MD, says.
“All of the fabrication, assembly and electrostatic painting is done by the Nolan Engineering Group. The products are designed specifically for export, with easy shipping and reassembly key priorities.
“We have stuff that has been shipped to Australia and have a lot of clients in the UK.”
Today, the company is essentially divided into two sections, the construction side and the general services side, which includes automation systems, such as conveyor systems and bespoke robotic cells.
“We construct bespoke robotic cells for customers to cut cycle time and improve part quality. With our conveyor systems, we design, fabricate, install, and maintain the systems. We can deliver both standard and bespoke conveyor system depending on each client’s demands.”
Another recent local client of the firm in recent years was Fore Distillery. The group designed and manufactured the steel frame gates and fencing with hard wood panelling, as well as the equally impressive glass and stainless steel handrail in the interior of the building.
The Nolan Engineering Group has built its reputation on a foundation of quality, precision, and innovation. Its team of locally based professionals is dedicated to delivering exceptional engineering solutions across a diverse range of sectors.
With a commitment to staying at the forefront of industry trends and technology, the firm has become a trusted partner for businesses and communities throughout Ireland and further afield.
In the last decade, the group has grown beyond recognition.
Full of praise for his staff and family for their enduring support, not to mention the support and confidence shown in the company by their clients, David says that the future looks bright.
“It’s very different to where we were a few years ago. Our order book is quite big at the moment and we are constantly looking for more people.
“The automation side of things is going really well, as is the construction end. We are aiming to double our turnover in the coming years. We are happy with how things are going.”
The Nolan Engineering Group may have outgrown Ned’s Forge, but no doubt the man himself would be proud of where the company is going as it moves into a second half century.