Dairymaster was founded in 1968 in Causeway in Co Kerry, by local Kerry native Ned Harty, just as modern mechanisation in dairy farming was beginning to take off. In their first year they sold 19 milking parlours, which was relevantly high for the time. Today the company is led by Ned’s son Dr Edmond Harty and employs 280 people locally and another 25 in the US and Britain. It is a worldwide organisation as between 70 and 75 per cent of production is exported to more than 40 countries, including the US, Japan and Siberia.

They have added to their range and as well as milking parlours, the group also manufactures and sells automated feeding systems, automatic manure scrapers, milk cooling equipment and cow fertility monitors.

All stages of the production process (everything from their world famous research and development to the most basic manufacturing process) are carried out in house. This means that they are full control of every product they produce which according to Dairymaster leads to greater quality control. They say it also makes dairy farming more profitable by reducing long term costs and labour inputs. They vigorously test their products through scientific trials in order to achieve peak performance capabilities.

Dairymaster’s personal approach and accessibility to its customers ensures that its service doesn’t end with the sale and they have developed an excellent relationship with their customers. This was one of the main focus points when Dr Harty was presented with the Ernst Young Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2012. The judges also noted his company’s in-house research and development, advancements in engineering technology and innovative product range.