Portlaoise based hire firm, Laois hire, have recently purchased new Hamm rollers. This significant investment represents an increase in business for the popular hire company and also demonstrates the upturn in the Irish construction industry across the board. I spoke to Laois Hire head of Ireland sales, Darran Hutchinson, and asked him why they chose Hamm. “A number of reasons,” he replied. “The quality of the equipment Hamm supplies has proven itself, a lot of our key customers have specifically asked for this brand when requiring a roller.”

He also pointed out that even when other brands are available, customers prefer using Hamm because of their performance and because they are comfortable to use. Another reason given is the service and back up given by Hamm makers, Wirtgen. We all know that in this industry it is crucial to have excellent service and response when a machine needs technical attention. Another key reason for the purchase was the value for money provided by the manufacturer. It is a competitive market out there, especially in the hire industry and every cent counts when making an investment decision.

So who are the customers that will use these machines from Laois Hire? “Mainly tarmac and road building contractors will use them for small construction jobs to the large motorway construction projects,” Darran informs me. The government recently announced massive investment in our road infrastructure. In total over 27 billion euro will be spent on the capital investment programme over the next decade. Many new road schemes were also announced such as the N7 widening at Naas and the Dunkettle interchange, road rollers will of course be a vital part of completing these projects.

I asked is there any particular size of roller that is in demand at Laois Hire. “At present all of our rollers are out on hire so it is a hard one to answer. We do find the Hamm 10 is a very popular choice for a lot of contractors, it is small enough to transport by contractors themselves and can be used for footpaths right up to national road jobs,” replied Darran.

We are starting to see a lot more activity out on the highways and byways around Ireland. With that activity comes demand for equipment and I ask how is business currently for Laois Hire. “We are very busy at present, we have seen a steady increase in demand for plant and tool over the past year and it is still growing, hence the need for investing in new plant with Hamm. A number of housing and civils projects have started back up and we are seeing a lot of old and familiar faces back from the pre-recession times. These people are starting to hire again which is always great to see.” said Darran.

Due to the upswing in the industry, Laois Hire confirmed to me that they have further plant investment plans. With a current shortage of plant in the country they hope to fill the massive gap to supply the demand from contractors. Excavators, dumpers, telehandlers and more rollers are high on the shopping list.

Also present at the launch of his new rollers is director of Laois Hire, Michael Killeen. He is very much a hands-on guy and it is very obvious he really enjoys his work. I asked Michael about this investment and why Laois Hire keep on purchasing new plant, even through the bad times. “Customers will be benefitting from this new investment,” said Michael. “They are respond-ing well to the excellent quality of the new machines. A trouble free machine means no customer down time and undue costs to contracts that need to be completed on tight schedules. We have noticed big demand all most immediately for these machines. We just roll them out in our depot and they go straight out on hire.”

He also pointed out that regular investment is a vital ingredient in the plant hire market where customers are always looking for the latest technology and innovations. Machinery Movers Magazine wants to wish Laois Hire all the best with their new investment, it is great to see it, we just love to roll out the good news!