Nally Engineering: steely commitment to quality and standards

‘Driven’ is probably the word that best describes the personality of Slanemore entrepreneur, Michael Nally, whose name featured among the nominees for this year’s Westmeath County Enterprise Awards.

Just three years into stewardship of Nally Engineering, the metal fabrication business he founded, he has an impressive portfolio of work to his credit; he employs a staff of five (and is currently recruiting) – and he has not yet reached his 28th birthday.

Nally Engineering specialises in structural steel fabrication and a wide range of engineering solutions for both construction and industry.

“At one end we do what might be termed the lighter side – gates, handrails, maybe railings, balconies, but although we are a young company, we also handle more complicated work – installing mezzanine floors, staircases, large-scale industrial work,” says Michael.

“We design, supply and fit. We can do a project all from start to finish. Alternatively, we can supply the steel only or we can supply and fit; we can powder coat it, galvanise, paint it, whatever way they want, they can have it.”

There was never really a question in Michael’s mind from when he left school and began his apprenticeship as a metal fabricator over whether he had made the right choice. He loves what he is doing, and, as is common among those who make their mark in a particular field, he throws heart and soul into the job.

“After I finished my Leaving Cert, I went straight into the four-year apprenticeship, some of which I spent with a firm in Meath and some in Louth,” he recalls. “The total length I was working with other people was maybe six or seven years – but I was doing lots of jobs on the side in the evening and at the weekends.”

Despite a hectic schedule, and fitting in a bit of football with Ballynacargy GAA as well, he twice qualified for the final of the World Skills competition for apprentices.

Soon, his own contracts began to mean he had to take time off from work, and finding the truth in the axiom that one cannot serve two masters, Michael decided to go out on his own full time. He was fortunate in that there was space at his home place to set up, and he hasn’t looked back since.

What began as a modest sole trader operation, working out of a shed at the family home, has grown into a busy and ambitious business employing a small but dedicated team.

“There are three of us full-time and two part-time at the moment,” Michael says. “We’re looking for another person as well – ideally qualified, but I’d certainly consider an apprentice.”

From the outset, reinvestment has been key to the company’s growth. Rather than standing still, Michael has continuously put earnings back into the business, upgrading equipment and expanding capacity.

“Everything I made, I put back into it,” he says. “Buying good machinery was important. That’s what allows you to take on better and bigger jobs.”

Working mainly in Leinster, Nally Engineering has already undertaken some significant projects, such as construction of a wide-span aircraft hangar door, a job that presented both a challenge and an opportunity to showcase the company’s capabilities.

“That was a big span, something you wouldn’t do every day,” Michael recalls. “It was a good experience. You’re always learning.”

The company has also undertaken work in major industrial settings, including projects connected to pharmaceutical and food production facilities, as well as other jobs linked to airport infrastructure. He has also done some work for GAA Clubs, and indeed, has a number of other GAA clubhouse projects in the pipeline. It is a level of work that many businesses take years to reach, but for Michael it has come quickly – driven by reputation and reliability.

The key to the success of Nally Engineering is down to Michael’s fastidious insistence on standards, and his commitment to on-time delivery.

“If we say we’ll have something done on time, we’ll have it done,” he says. “That’s very important.”

But above all else, he insists that quality is the cornerstone of the business. “Quality comes first. If it’s not right, it can’t go out. That’s just the way it is.”

Alongside Nally Engineering, Michael has also established a second venture, Trade Stop Limited, which supplies engineering tools and equipment, including Milwaukee products, both locally and through an online store. Like his main business, it operates from the home base, reflecting a practical and hands-on approach to growth (see tradestopltd.ie).

To view some of the projects undertaken by the firm, search ‘Nally Engineering’ on Facebook. On Instagram, see @nallyengineering, which has a comprehensive stockpile of photos showcasing the firm’s work.

• Nally Engineering can also be found on TikTok at @nallyengineeringltd.

• Contact Michael Nally at 087 318 9472