This year, Major celebrated 40 years in business. The western-based manufacturer is one of Ireland’s premier companies in the machinery industry. Employing 78 people, the company, founded by John Murphy in 1976, started out manufacturing attachments for loaders and diggers, cabs and safety frames.

Adding to its portfolio in 1977, it offered its tanker, side spreader and pasture toppers. In 1990, John moved into ground care machines. Rotary cutters and newly designed mowers increased the market potential, where 50% of the products were sold for municipal work.

Global network

Major uses 350 dealers across the world, and exports 65% of its products. Ireland is its largest market at 35% of annual sales, showing strong domestic support. The other countries that Major is doing really well in are the UK, Australia and New Zealand.

Working through its partners FieldQuip in Australia and New Zealand, all of the Major products are available. The sales volume has increased five-fold in Australia over five years. Marketing coordinator Eibhlin Murphy said: “Brexit has had an effect on us, yet we are like all of the other manufacturers supplying the UK market. The most important thing for us is that the products we offer are very desirable in the UK, especially the Cyclone range.”

Irish market and FTMTA role

On the domestic market, the trade is solid, with two very good years, according to Eibhlin. “There is no place like Ireland to test a machine; if it works here, it will work the world over, especially in grass,” she said.

The reputation of Major products and most Irish-made equipment is that they are technically good and robust machines, according to John Murphy.

Major believes the FTMTA shows provided them with an ideal platform to exhibit their innovative machines. “The shows provide face-to-face contact with customers that we simply cannot reach,” according to Eibhlin.

The FTMTA has also added value for the exhibitor by introducing an alliance with Enterprise Ireland to bring foreign trade delegations to highlight products.

“On the day-to-day level, having a well-organised dealer is ideal for any manufacturer,” says Eibhlin.

“Dealers who make money and have good cashflow management make our job easier. We work closely with our dealer network, and it’s important for us, as they have the local knowledge in the area. Our sales team get the chance to meet our customers through the dealer. The FTMTA has a huge role to play in helping this structure, to provide sustainability in the industry.”

From a lobbying point of view, it is hard for a manufacturer to have contacts in Government departments. Major says it relies on feeding information through the FTMTA to get action on issues concerning legislation on machines. Recent changes in the legislation on the use of spraying equipment and the revised rules on the use of agricultural vehicles are two areas that the FTMTA has lobbied hard to get a workable solution for all involved, says Eibhlin.

In the company, the breakdown of staff sees eight involved in sales, 10 administrative staff and six responsible for research and development.

Like most manufacturers, Major is looking to develop careers for young people. Its apprenticeship scheme started last year. At the moment, there are two on the programme. There is a strong demand for skilled fabricators nationwide and even internationally. Major has also appointed a new production manager in the factory.

Major Equipment Intl Ltd was the recipient of two awards at the 2016 Irish Agribusiness Awards.

The company received the equipment and machinery agribusiness of the year award for its Cyclone mower and its custom-designed tandem tankers and low-emission slurry application systems.

The company was then announced as the overall agribusiness of the year for its outstanding contribution to the Irish agribusiness industry over the past 40 years.

Commenting on the awards, Major’s Eibhlin Murphy said: “We are delighted with these awards and to be part of such a vibrant and resilient sector. To be recognised by our peers and colleagues in the Irish agribusiness industry is a huge honour. It is the perfect end to a great 40th year at Major.”

The future

Political uncertainty is on the minds of any exporting manufacturing business right now. Major is no exception, with strong sales in the UK and across Europe. Eibhlin believes that there is excellent sales potential in France. Looking further afield, the US is on the horizon.

“The Cyclone mower is ideal for export, fitting neatly in a container,” says Eibhlin. The size of machines is on the up, the average tanker size has increased by 1,000 gallons to 2,600 in 15 years according Major.

The development of efficient machines such as the Cyclone mower that reduce operation costs with lower fuel consumption, and customised slurry tanker design is the future for Major.