'The sky’s the limit': Northern Ireland engineering firm celebrates 25 years with expansion plans

A Ballymena family business is celebrating 25 years of continuous growth as it sets its sights on expanding into new markets across the Republic of Ireland and Great Britain.

Martin Engineering Supplies, which has been based at Ballymena Business Centre since its launch in 2000, has grown from a one-man operation into a business employing seven people, supplying industrial and engineering products to customers across Northern Ireland.

Founded by Clifford Martin, the company now operates across three business units and maintains its own fleet of vehicles, serving commercial and public sector organisations in sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, transport, marine, water treatment, food production and renewable energy.

The milestone comes as the business prepares for its next phase of growth, with plans to establish additional locations, launch an online webshop and expand into the Republic of Ireland and mainland UK.

Reflecting on the company's journey, founder Clifford Martin said the business had achieved year-on-year growth since opening its doors.

"Our growth since the company was founded is something we are extremely proud of," he said.

"Each year since the company was established, we have increased our turnover. This reflects the trust our customers place in us and the dedication of our team."

He said building the business had required patience and a focus on strong customer relationships.

“Growing a business takes time, and the early years are often the most challenging,” Clifford explained. “Walk before you can run” is a bit of a cliché, but it’s very true. Growing a business can take years, and the first few years are probably the toughest. Getting your name out there, building a customer base, fine tuning your products/services and exploring innovative solutions throughout your business journey is key. Once you have laid those foundations, the sky’s the limit.”

Mr Martin also credited Ballymena Business Centre with helping the business establish itself: “Having a presence within Ballymena Business Centre for 25 years was essential to get us where we are at today. Having an affordable base in a clean, tidy, and modern complex meant there was more time to focus on the actual business side of things. Plus, the wrap around business support offered by the team at Ballymena Business Centre has always been provided when we needed it.”

As the company celebrates this milestone, Martin Engineering Supplies remains focused on delivering outstanding service and continuing its tradition of year-on-year growth. Looking to the future, the business plans to expand through additional locations, the development of an online web-shop, and growth into new markets, including the ROI and UK Mainland.

On behalf of Martin Engineering Supplies, Clifford thanked customers for their continued support and loyalty: “We are incredibly fortunate to have built such a strong and loyal customer base to whom I am truly thankful.

"I would also like to thank my son Scott who took over the day-to-day leadership of the company in 2022 as managing director, his fresh ideas, forward-thinking approach, and adoption of modern technology, has enabled the company to excel by doubling both our turnover and staff numbers in just four years.

"Scott’s innovative ideas have taken the company in a direction required for today’s fast-moving commercial market. As we move forward to the next 25 years, I am grateful the company is in excellent hands and has a bright future ahead.”

Ballymena Business Centre chief executive Melanie Christie-Boyle MBE added: "The vision, determination and commitment to excellence have enabled Martin Engineering Supplies to build a thriving business which continues to grow year after year.

"Having supported this business from start up to growth we look forward to continuing our support as the next generation builds on stable foundations and continue success across new export markets.”

Martin Engineering Supplies said its future plans include expanding its customer base beyond Northern Ireland while continuing to invest in technology, customer service and supply chain capability.