News
Congratulations to Trevor Wilson
Added: 29th April 2008
We would like to congratulate Trevor Wilson on completing 30 years continuous service. Trevor has been employed as a class 1 driver based at our Ravenhill depot and started his working career at the age of sixteen.
He was first employed by Hireplant (Parker plant), then Scott Grenhams, then B.E.T. group, then Seymour Plant to Hewden plant and finally Mac Rental
Terry Diamond, the Manager of our Ravenhill depot, had the follwing to say about Trevor:
“I hope this is the last company for Trevor as he has run out of room on his C.V. A nice inscribed watch and a small mounted mini digger was presented to Trevor on behalf of Mac Rental by our M.D. Pat Lavelle, again well done to Trevor”.
New Managing Director Appointed
Added: 7th April 2008
Mac Rental Ltd announces the appointment of Pat Lavelle as its new Managing Director. Pat, previously Head of Finance, succeeds Mark Sharkey who has left the company to pursue other business interests in his hometown in Donegal.
Pat has been with the company for two years and prior to that was Finance Director for a US multinational.
As Ireland’s market leading rental company, Mac Rental provides a complete one-stop shop across the 32 counties of Ireland.
Specialising in the supply of plant hire, tool hire, falsework and formwork solutions, Mac Rental employs over 200 people from its 20 locations.
Lo-Call Number for Dublin
Added: 20th November 2007
The following number can now be used to access any three of our Dublin depots, which are located at Dolphin’s Barn, Glasnevin and Ballymount:
1890 450150Used Telehandlers for Sale!
Added: 10th October 2007
Mac Rental currently has 20 used 13-metre telehandlers that are up for sale.
The manufacturers of the telehandlers include:
- Caterpillar
- JCB
- Manitou
For the keenest prices on these telehandlers please contact Colin Faloona on 0044 7974141241
Mac Rental and Arrow Join Forces to Supply Pumps
Added: 3rd October 2007
Mac Rental’s managing director Mark Sharkey had the following to say on the new arrangement:
“The pump hire sector has been getting increasingly specialised over the last number of years and although we have been stocking a range of pumps for some time, it was felt that this new partnership with Arrow will give us the best profile for supplying pumps and allow us to follow other avenues for more specialist products.
“I have been very impressed with the high level of expertise that Arrow has built up over the years and this partnership allows Mac Rental to tap into that expertise and grow our own reputation as a pumping solutions provider.“
Arrow managing director Paul Smyth is pleased with the roll-out to date.
“We have been piloting this scheme for a while in the north and it seems to be working quite well. Like every new venture there will be problems to deal with along the way and at some stage there may be conflicts on certain hires but problems are there to be dealt with and the alliance can only grow from this point. In order to give credence to both hirers, we have established a new joint logo that will be displayed on all the pumps we supply through Mac Rental. This will help to distinguish the different plant and identify the primary hirer.
“Arrow has been in the pumping solutions business for 20 years now and we have built up a level of expertise that is unrivalled in Ireland.
“Since January we have spent over £850,000 on new Selwood pumping equipment and by the end of this year, that figure will easily have passed the £1 million mark.
“We have recently supplied one prestigious contract with over two kilometers of hose and this illustrates that we have large volumes of all sizes available ex-stock.
“This is the level of investment that is needed in this industry at this time as it becomes more sophisticated and technically demanding, not to mention a lot busier.
“We operate from strategically placed depots in Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Lisburn. We will have a small stocking level of the most popular sizes in most of the major Mac Rental locations and will supply all 18 of their depots from our nearest hub with any order that is outside of that stock.
“We have available just about very contingency from 2” up to 12” pumps in diesel, electric or hydraulic format as well as submersibles, hi-heads and hi-volume pumps in addition to hose and fittings.
“Our own Arrow fleet is running at up to 80% utilisation at what is a very busy time for us but if the business continues to grow as is projected, then there is no upper level to the investment we will make to satisfy demand.“
Carlow Depot Special Offer!
Added: 3rd October 2007
Our Mac Rental depot located at Kernanstown Industrial Estate, Hacketstown Road, Carlow (Tel: 059 9141 741) would like to announce the following special offer:
Floor Sander Hire
Weekend Special €55
(Consumables are an extra cost)
Special Offers at New Dublin Depot!
Added: 3rd October 2007
Our newly opened depot located at 291 Whiteheather Industrial Estate, South Circular Road, Dublin 8 (Tel: 01 411 3300) would like to announce the following special offers:
Box Trailer Hire
Weekend Special €31
Floor Sander Hire
Weekend Special €55
(Consumables are an extra cost)
Wallpaper Stripper Hire
Weekend Special €25
(Consumables are an extra cost)
Carpet Shampooer Hire
Weekend Special €30
(Consumables are an extra cost)
Two New Depots in Dublin
Added: 3rd October 2007
Mac Rental is pleased to announce that we have opened two new depots in the Dublin area namely:
291 Whiteheather Industrial Estate
South Circular Road
Dublin 8
Tel: 01-411 3300
58-59 Nore Road
Dublin Industrial Estate
Glasnevin
Dublin 11
Tel: 01-899 7040
Mac Rental People Make the Difference
Added: 17th September 2007
It was part of managing director Mark Sharkey‘s 2005 Strategic Review to double the size of the Mac Rental business by 2010 and in relation to the company’s progress towards this goal, Mark Sharkey had the following to say:
“When we bought Hewden in 2003 and A-Plant in 2004, there was little doubt that the main thrust of the Mac Rental business in the short and medium term would be coming from the construction sector and so it has proved”.
“This year alone to date tool hire has increased by a massive 47% and we are projecting a 60% growth by the end of the year”.
“In the same time frame, plant hire has increased by 14% with year-end growth expected to exceed 16%. This is on the back of what in both the north and the Republic is a booming industry”.
“As part of that 2005 Review, we identified exactly what we wanted to get from each sector and we have moved towards that goal”.
“But if we are to double the size of the business by 2010, we have to start looking at other areas in which to excel. Although we are doing very well from the construction boom, that sector alone is not going to deliver our target”.
“At the beginning of the year we announced a major move into the supply of Portable Changeable Message Signs (PCMS) and Electrofusion Welding equipment. That move into more specialist markets will continue and we will be looking this year at safety products such as trench boxes and the very competitive site accommodation sector to see if we can add something that is not present at this time. We are also looking at the way in which Local Authorities are supplied with services and equipment with a view to increasing our market share in that area.
“We have just announced a significant new partnership with Arrow Rentals in the area of pump hire. The pump sector has been getting increasingly specialised over the last number of years and although we have been stocking a range of pumps for some time, it was felt that this new partnership with Arrow will give us the best profile for supplying pumps and allow us to follow other avenues for more specialist products. The point is, we don‘t want to reduce our construction sector turnover in any way, just reduce our dependence on it by bolstering other avenues.
“Our ACROW division is also undergoing a major expansion programme. We are modernising our formwork, falsework and scaffolding stock, whilst also incorporating the latest systems such as ‘Mevadec’, which figured so prominently on the massive Victoria Square project in Belfast.
Our view is quite simple, you can pile your plant up outside your depot as high as you like and all things being equal, it will sit there without the most important factor – the people who work in the depots.
“We strive to constantly train the depot staff at the stores in order to ensure customers interact with experienced professionals in all locations. It is not only the broad product line and the local market knowledge but also the product support expertise and the dedicated service that make The Cat Rental Store unique. We have further strengthened our team with the appointment of Andy Mackey as Operations Manager for Plant & Tool businesses in the north and south. Ciaran Clancy has been appointed Area Manager for Dublin Region. Andy and Ciaran join an already experienced senior management team with Joe Macnaughton, Director and Bert Benson ACROW Operations Director.
“As part of the world’s largest rental brand, ‘The Cat Rental Store’, strive for Operational Excellence by taking and adopting best practice from all around the world, especially the U.S where service is a given. There is no point being part of the Cat Rental Organisation without taking all the world of experience on offer with things like the Cat Rental College and on-line training due to be introduced shortly. I can‘t think of another company that has a full time Performance Standards Manager as well as a Health & Safety Manager incumbent in Ireland there to ensure that standards are maintained”.
“The Group has been very supportive in our plans which has enabled us to inject €12 million of new kit last year, a third of which is Caterpillar, with roughly the same being spent this year again. 2008 will see significant investment again as we are about to place an initial order for over 30 new telehandlers of all sizes.
“Plant has to be as new as possible these days and our renewal profile is down to just under three years. This helps us grow our share and despite all the industry hype, we know our rates are above the market average.
“We never get complacent. We have 18 outlets and it is fairly common knowledge that we are looking at several new locations and acquisitions. The first opening was 2-months ago at South Circular Road, Dublin 8 the next is Glasnevin, Dublin 11 and Waterford in a few months time. Londonderry is planned for next year to directly supply the north of the country and to act as a satellite for Donegal as well.”
Whilst the industry becomes all the more competitive, we remain up beat, confident and ambitious with regard to the growth of our business through customer service and engagement of our employees.
Charity Digger Stolen
Added: 23rd August 2007
Mac Rental regret to announce that one of our pink 302.5 mini excavators used to raise money for the Laura Lynn Children’s Hospice Foundation has been stolen from our Ravenhill depot in Belfast.
Mrs Jane McKenna, who is a co-founder of the Laura Lynn Children’s Hospice Foundation, had the following to say regarding the theft:
"For me personally, and for my husband, it is quite upsetting," she said. "I just can't believe someone would do this."
Terry Diamond, manager of Mac Rental in Ravenhill said: "We delivered the equipment to a building site in south Belfast, when we went to invoice, alarm bells started ringing. It was then that we became aware the order number was false. "
PSNI have appealed for anyone who may have seen the pink digger to come forward
Mac Rental has been Nominated for Awards
Added: 23rd August 2007
Mac Rental is proud to announce that the Hire Association of Europe has short-listed our company for the following awards:
- Hire Company of the Year
- Party/Events Hire Company of the Year
Mac Rental, The CAT Rental Store Supports The Laura Lynn Hospice
Added: 6th July 2007
MAC RENTAL, THE CAT RENTAL STORE SUPPORTS THE LAURA LYNN HOSPICE
Mac Rental recently released three unique pink Caterpillar mini excavators for renting in the Irish market in aid of the Laura Lynn Children’s Hospice Foundation. All rental proceeds from the mini excavators will be donated to the Foundation to assist with their quest to build Ireland’s first dedicated Children’s Hospice in Dublin.
The pink minis excavators are part of an overall fund raising programme for the Foundation announced this week by the McCormick Macnaughton Group.
“As a group we are hoping to raise significant funding for this worthy cause during the coming months. In conjunction with the pink mini excavator programme the company also plan to host a Charity Ball and Auction in the Four Seasons in Ballsbridge on Friday, November 2nd 2007, as well as a number of additional local fund raising activities throughout our nationwide network of Caterpillar and The Cat Rental Store depots” according to Malcolm Macnaughton, McCormick Macnaughton Group Chairman.
The first pink mini excavator was unveiled at the Balmoral Spring Show in Belfast at the beginning of May and generated a great deal of interest on the Mac Rental stand. Indeed, Highway Management Construction (HMC) was eager to be the first company to utilise the machine on the prestigious West Link project.
Martin O’Neill, HMC’s West Link construction manager stated that, “When Mac Rental Sales Representative Kevin O’Hare explained the background of the Laura Lynn Foundation and that all rental revenue from the pink digger would go towards this cause, we were only too happy to show our support by renting it for the West Link.”
Mac Rental Managing Director, Mark Sharkey expressed his appreciation to HMC during the delivery of the remaining pink mini excavators to The Cat Rental Store in Turnpike, Dublin, “I would like to thank HMC for hiring the first pink mini excavator on the West Link job. They are helping us to provide much needed financial support to the Laura Lynn Children’s Hospice Foundation.”
For more information on renting a pink mini excavator or the Charity Ball & Auction at The Four Seasons Hotel, please contact Sean Dunne at 00353 1 462 9110 or email sdunne@macrental.net
About the Laura Lynn Foundation
The Laura Lynn foundation was set up in 2001 following the indescribable loss of Jane and Brendan McKenna’s two daughters, Lynn and Laura, who were taken away so early in their lives. Jane and Brendan set up the Laura Lynn Foundation with the aim of establishing a Children’s Hospice. The Hospice or House as Jane prefers to call it is about putting ‘Life into a child’s day, not days into a child’s life’. Both Laura & Lynn’s parents hope that the Children’s Hospice can alleviate some of the pain and suffering endured by children and provide a respite for Mummy’s, Daddy’s, brothers and sisters, for whom life can be very difficult during an illness, a home from home.
There is an enormous challenge ahead to meet the target necessary to realise this ambition. The McCormick Macnaughton Group is proud to support the Laura Lynn Children’s Hospice Charity and will do all that is possible to make this ambition a reality.
Jane & Brendan McKenna wish to express their sincere thanks to all involved for their kindness and wonderful support.
For further details on the Laura Lynn Foundation, please visit www.lauralynnhospice.com
Tool Sales!
Added: 25th April 2007
Mac Rental are currently holding the following promotion:
· Partner saw (€560) (£380)
· ½ bag mixers:
Petrol (€625) (£425)
Electric (€389) (£264)
If you purchase either of the above items you will also receive the following absolutely free:
- Rigger gloves
- Safety spectacles
- Ear defenders
To avail of this offer simply quote our reference code SELL1 when you contact your nearest depot
All the above prices are exclusive of VAT
Mac Rental Lead the Way in Traffic Management
Added: 25th April 2007
Mac Rental has recently acquired the agency for fully animated PCMS.
This new unit is the first of its kind in Ireland and is the only unit with the ability to display regulatory/speed signs.
Fully animated units are the next generation in PCMS. This unit conforms to the new chapter 8 requirements with moving animation.
Niall O’Byrne, Manager of Traffic Management Systems stated
“Our aim is to be the number one supplier in traffic management solutions”.
Other benefits of the fully animated PCMS sign include:
· Remote operation and set up
· Can display in motion (up to 60 km)
· It can display animation and text at the same time
· Zero maintenance
With this unit “a picture tells a tells a thousand words”.
You can view the complete list of benefits of the fully animated PCMS sign in the traffic management section.
Guaranteed Availability!
Added: 24th April 2007
Mac Rental would like to announce that if any of our depots do not have the items listed below in stock, our customers will receive credit for 2 days free hire
· Partner Saw
· 1/2 Bag Mixer
· Power Float
· 14” Roadsaw
· Small Air Breaker
· 2200PSI Petrol Washer
· 2” Diameter Petrol Pump
· 9” Angle Grinder
· Poker Unit
· 110v Submersible Pump
· 110v Medium Breaker
· Alloy Tower
· DX 460 Nail Gun
· 14”Vibrating Plate
· Twin Motor Vacuum
· Paslode Nail Gun
· 2.2 KVA Generator
· SDS Heavy Duty Drill
· 150mm Circular Saw 18v
· Battery Drill
Acrow - The Cat Rental Store launches their new MevaDec System
Added: 5th May 2006
A 75,000 square metre development is currently under construction at Victoria Square in the heart of Belfast city centre. There are 2 levels of car parking with 1,000 spaces, 80 retail units, 100 apartments, a 10 screen multiplex cinema together with bars and restaurants. The anchor tenant is House of Fraser whose 20,000 square metre department store will be the biggest in Northern Ireland. The public square at the centre of the development features a spectacular 35 metre glass dome some 46 metres above the lower ground floor.
The Dutch developer Multi Development through their expertise and experience intend Victoria Square to be their flagship project in the UK. The main contractors, Farrans Gilbert-Ash, a joint venture between Farrans Construction and Gilbert Ash NI, appointed Polish company, Format Industrial Construction Ltd as formwork sub-contractors for the structural works. Project Manager of Format, Slawek Kowalski explained
“We needed a slab formwork system with a very fast turn round to meet the demanding programme and after studying all the available systems, chose MevaDec from Acrow – The Cat Rental Store”.
This state-of-the-art slab system comprises of 5 main components:
Aluminium panel, aluminium primary and secondary beam, drop head and prop head. MevaDec allows ‘early striking’ by means of the drop heads, which allows an earlier re-application thereby reducing the equipment required and offering up to 40% labour savings on more traditional methods.
With MevaDec the beams and panels can be erected independent of any fixed grid which allows for easier assembly of the slab formwork around columns and at wall connections. In addition, it is possible to change the assembly direction of the primary beams, allowing for a perfect adaption of the MevaDec formwork to the required layout. All these options reduce costly and time-consuming job-built solutions – a significant advantage in comparison to other inflexible systems.
To ensure maximum utilisation of the equipment, Acrow’s engineering department with Meva’s engineering support, provided formwork drawings to the contract throughout the entire construction period. As John Hampton, Acrow’s engineering manager explained
“This was certainly the most challenging contract we have ever tackled but with the professionalism and co-operation of Format’s site staff, we just managed to stay ahead of the tight pour schedules”
On the basement floors with heights of 2.6m, standard Meva ME props were utilised while on the upper floors with propping heights up to 5.7 metres, the MEP-shoring system with built in work platforms proved an ideal partner for the MevaDec. The MEP-shoring towers could be moved to the next pour by means of a lift truck thereby offering a considerable saving in crane time.
In total, 6,000 square metres of MevaDec are in use on site and as Format’s site manager, Rafal Sajkiewicz remarked
“With 40% less material and faster erection and stripping times, the MevaDec is safer and more cost-efficient than any conventional slab formwork. In addition to these advantages, the alkus plastic face of the MevaDec panels offers low concrete adhesion thereby reducing cleaning time to a minimum.”
The completion date for the entire development is December 2007.