The company is strategically planning to scale up over the next three to five years with a target of exceeding £20 million turnover in 2021, and anticipated growth around 20% per annum. Although determined to retain their existing client base and levels of growth in Northern Ireland the company is targeting more projects in the Republic and especially Dublin.
The construction industry is enjoying approximately seven percent growth year-on-year in the Republic compared to just 0.5 percent north of the border. Tens of billions of Euros are being spent across the industry and Killowen Contracts is determined to be a position to secure some of this work.
“From a strategic point of view the market in Dublin is very attractive to us, but we also recognise that it is very competitive,” said Director, Brian McGivern.
“We have excellent networks with design teams, architects and clients right across Northern Ireland but we want to build similar networks in the south and really broaden our network and increase our Republic of Ireland trade by about 30 percent.
“It is important for us to have a presence in the south even from the perspective of people seeing our vans on the road, our site hoardings and becoming familiar with our projects.”
The company is confident across all sectors of the industry but the Killowen senior management team believes it can excel in the Republic with its ability to take on large scale heritage projects including specialist conservation and restoration works.
“We have just finished extensive refurbishment works on the Grade A listed Lanyon Building at Queen’s University Belfast – one of the most prominent buildings in Northern Ireland,” said Brian McGivern.
“This was a big project for us, working on a building of such architectural and symbolic importance. It has been a defining project within our company, demonstrating our ability to work with a building of such prestige while incorporating both modern building techniques and also using traditional building methods as much as we can.’’
Director, Maurice McGivern added, ‘’During the two-year contract at Queen’s we have been able to show high capability in meeting our client needs, stakeholder engagement and satisfaction as well as the highest levels of craftsmanship. We take great pride in our workmanship and work in collaboration with all team members to consistently deliver excellence and value in time, cost and quality during all of our contracts, public or private across all sectors we work in including healthcare, education and commercial.’’
Killowen Contracts also has a number of awards underlining their excellence. Last year they were High Commended in the Family Business of the Year category at the First Trust Business Eye Small Business Awards and also at the Business Eye Business Awards.
The company is already planning a period of strong investment in people, plant and equipment to meet the increased demand. Damien noted, “We have seen a sharp increase in demand of labour and plant over the past number of years which we expect to increase.’’
Killowen Contracts is in a busy period with a number of major jobs ongoing. Fresh from completing the Lanyon Building at Queen’s University the company is now working on another Lanyon building at St Philip’s & St James’ Church in Holywood.
They are also working on a £2.4 million contract to reconfigure the service road and car-parking at The Junction in Antrim. At the same site they are constructing a new Nando’s restaurant along with a TGI Friday’s diner and Starbucks drive-thru in a £1.5 million contract.
Killowen Contracts Ltd, 35 Bridge Road, Burren, Newry, BT34 3QT.
T: +44 (0)28 4175 3378
E: construction@killowencontracts.co.uk
W: www.killowencontracts.co.uk
