'Strong reputation' - Mayo company celebrates 50 years in business 

From humble beginnings in 1974, the Tim Kelly Group headquartered in Ballinrobe has grown into one of Ireland’s leading Mechanical and Electrical contractors over their 50 years in operation. A leading employer in the region who are renowned for their innovation and commitment to delivering exceptional quality services, the Tim Kelly Group are proudly celebrating 50 years in business this year. To mark this remarkable milestone, they are hosting an invitation-only event at their company headquarters, featuring Ivan Yates as the keynote speaker.

The last five decades has seen the company take their expertise to range of sectors. Today they are proud to be recognised as Ireland’s leading Mechanical, Electrical, and Sprinkler System contractors in some of the most highly regulated sectors such as the life sciences and healthcare.

The man who started it all, Tim Kelly, was nostalgic and reflective when he spoke to the Western People about his journey that started with a loan of 50 pounds from his mother and opening Tim Kelly Electricals’ first premises on New Street, Ballinrobe.

“In 1974, I finished my apprenticeship and we had an opportunity to either start up a company or emigrate. We had some electrical contracts with the electrification of homes in Connemara and that gave us our start.” It was a different time and a different Ireland at the time.

“It was a very poor country back then and it was very difficult. Money was scarce and credit was not possible.” “In those early years, there were no emails, no mobile phones. You had to have a notebook and a list of all the materials you had to bring to the site.

There could be no waste, we had no money to let things waste. Everything was lean and tight.” When the going gets tough, the tough get going and things got moving in the right direction for Tim Kelly Electrical. They built a sterling reputation that earned them several high-profile contracts.

In 1975, they Electrical partnered with MJ Conroy for the preservation and redevelopment of Mayoralty House in Galway, a historic building originally constructed in 1793.

Two years later, they were awarded the company’s first Údarás na Gaeltachta advanced factories in Carrowteige, Belmullet.

“This success paved the way for follow up contracts with IDA for advanced factory developments and for business right up to today,” said Tim.

By 1980, the company expanded and relocated to large premises on Bowgate Street and secured the highly sought after electrical contract for Western Pride Bakeries in Ballinrobe.

The 1980s were another tough era in Irish economic history but the company continued to make strides.

In 1985, they moved to its current head office on Claremorris Road, Ballinrobe due to their continued growth.

The next 20 years saw Tim Kelly’s Electrical continue to secure highly sought-after contracts and continue to establish themselves as a leader in their field, not just regionally, but nationally. In 1993, they became one of the first companies outside Dublin to achieve ISO Quality certification.

This designation is proof that an organisation adheres to global standards of quality assurance, manufacturing and business.

In 1989, they had secured significant electrical contracts in the life sciences sector, partnering with Chanelle Pharma, Stiefel Laboratories and Merit Medical. Contracts would later follow with Baxter in 2007, further strengthening the company’s position as the leading mechanical and electrical contractor for the life sciences industry nationwide.

In 1992, they were awarded the electrical installation contract for the new Martin Ryan Institute building at University College Galway (Now University of Galway), the first in a series of high-profile projects undertaken for the college.

More high-profile projects followed such as Castlerea Prison and GMIT, both high-calibre, advanced projects.

In 2005, they expanded their services by acquiring Thomas McManamon Mechanical Services and rebranded as the Tim Kelly Group.

“This made a massive difference to the business overall,” said Tim.

“We were now able to deliver a full package of services for customers in the life sciences sector, as well as other sectors.” “What made us stand out is that we have a strong reputation, built on providing the highest quality to our clients. There are a lot of employees with us here for over 20 years, which is unheard of in a lot of places and that is an experience we can bring.” In 2015, Tim Kelly Group was awarded the electrical refurbishment works at Knock Basilica. The works consisted of a significant upgrade to the feature lighting, lighting controls, and the installation of an advanced audiovisual sound and streaming system. In 2019, they successfully completed a mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation package project for a high-profile international food and beverage company valued at €9 million , making it the largest combined Mechanical and Electrical project at the time.

Reflecting on it all, Tim said it has been hard work but he has been surrounded by the right people throughout the company’s 50-year journey.

Over the past 25 years, alongside his business operations in Ireland, Tim expanded into farming and warehouse logistics in Latvia. More recently, he has ventured into property development in Portugal with Quinta Dourada. This unique development, designed by award winning architect Vasco Vieira, is nestled in the hills of Albufeira’s exclusive Santa Maria area. The project comprises includes 32 apartments, 40 townhouses, 17 villas, and offers a clubhouse and concierge service, with phase one due for completion this year.

“Anyone who is willing to start up a business like this in mechanical and electrical contracts, you need to be prepared to work very hard. Six days a week, whatever it takes.” “You need to be prepared for risks – and there’s a lot of risks – and you need to make sure you have the right people around.” Tim said he has taken a lot of pride in what his company has brought to the west of Ireland and particularly to their hometown of Ballinrobe.

“When you come from the Ireland of the 60s, you understand about poor times and hard times. I take a lot of pride in having been able to provide employment and career paths to people in this part of the world.” “I have taken a lot of pride in what we have given back to the community as well. We have supported local sport, the GAA, rugby, horse racing and other local charities and initiatives. We do like to do things that will help improve our local area,” he said.