Case Study - PEL Recycling Equipment, Mayo

“I established PEL, a company that partners with clients to reduce their waste disposal costs”, explains Tommy.

“We do this by understanding and evaluating our clients’ needs and delivering innovative waste handling solutions; essentially, PEL offers clients a one stop shop that guarantees to reduce waste disposal costs” he adds.  In a few short years, PEL has become a market leader in the design, manufacture and supply of bottle crushers, bin compactors, cardboard and plastic reduction equipment, food disposal units and other equipment to customers all over the UK and Ireland.

Tommy attributes his success to two key factors – “innovation and customer focused after-sales service and support”. In 2009 Tommy was a finalist in the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year and this has given the company media exposure and has also opened new doors in the export market.

Speaking about this Tommy says, “Although 2009 was a testing year for all businesses,  at PEL we’ve used the economic climate to promote our products as tools for our clients to reduce their costs by reducing their waste volumes. Rather than seeing 2009 as a difficult year we turned it to a challenge and re-thought our sales strategy which proved successful. 2010 looks promising and we expect considerable growth in the coming year – in fact this year will see the first of our products heading to the Netherlands and Malta.”

Griffith chose to set up PEL in Balla for several reasons, not least of which are the lower set-up and operating costs.  He also had access to qualified staff and employs 11 people in disciplines from mechanical engineering to business studies to marketing.  Staff benefit from easier commutes, less expensive housing, lower living costs and less stress which Tommy feels ‘leads to a better atmosphere and better productivity as a result!’ He hopes to grow the staff number considerably over the coming years and feels that getting the right people will play a big part in the growth of the company.

Tommy has built good relationships with other businesses locally, regionally and further afield.  These networks are important and he says “I have drawn on other people’s experiences to further develop my own business.  Our success has also created jobs in other businesses locally”. This approach of shared learning has also led Tommy to a relationship with the Innovation in Business Centre (IiBC) at GMIT Mayo where he has lectured on their ‘Spirit of Entrepreneurship’ programme.

A major advantage to PEL is the improved infrastructure in the county and the region.  Logistics have not proven expensive for the company and PEL has 3 airports within 45 minutes of their facility in Balla.  With the proximity of Ireland West Airport, travel to see clients in the UK is far easier and access to the rest of the country is good.

PEL is planning significant growth in the next five years. They will draw on existing relationships with Mayo County Enterprise Board and Enterprise Ireland to support and facilitate that growth overseas.