Mike started up in Ballyglass and had to work all the hours available to him to ensure the company got off the ground. But Mike has always had a passion for innovation and quality, and was determined from the start that his business would not just survive, but thrive.
But he always wanted to run his own business and in 1999 he set about doing just that.
In 1999 Mike set about building Malone farm machinery. Initially Mike had just one employee and the company began making log splitters and post drivers. Seeing a gap in the market for these products, Mike put an ad in the paper at the time and got calls from all over the country.
The product could only be delivered on a Sunday, every other day was focused on production. Every day of the week was being utilised to get the business up and running.
In 2003, Malones started making toppers which proved a big market for the company. With initial plans to make 25 toppers, they had made 450 by the end of the year, such was the demand.
Again, every hour was being utilised. Three employees would come and paint them at night time and the toppers would be ready for sending in the morning.
With the company growing, capacity was becoming an issue. Malones successfully applied for planning permission, allowing the company to expand further.
In 2009, Malones took another big step with the launch of their self-loading wagons. With the needs and requirements of farmers central to the company’s ethos, Malones continue to succeed with their wide-range of products.
Malones expanded beyond Ireland for the first time in 2007, selling in the UK. In 2010 a dealer in South Africa was so impressed by the product range that he started to export products. In 2012, they moved onto Costa Rica, and today in addition to a growing European Market they also export to Chile and New Zealand.
Michael Malone
Managing Director
Jarlath Malone
Production Manager
Fearghail Connolly
Sales Manager
Simon Gilbert
Sales & Service UK