JPK Fencing Systems vying for top prize in SFA Business Awards 2016

GALWAY, Ireland - Jan. 12, 2016 - PRLog -- The awards, now in their 12 year aim to recognise outstanding achievements by indigenous firms over a sustained period of time, many with limited support.

JPK Fencing Systems, celebrating 40 years in business in 2015, have demonstrated brilliantly how small Irish Manufacturers can hold their own in highly competitive markets, dealing with multinational and national companies, government agencies and semi state bodies.

Like so many other companies, JPK were affected by the economic crash of 2008. Spending on infrastructure was slashed, road investment was non existent and the demand from traditional markets was seriously eroded.

“We had to make some very tough decisions and we had to analyse how our business could survive and thrive in a recession. The choice was to race to the bottom on price or enhance the quality and range of products. Thankfully, we opted for the latter” said Kenneth Kearney, Managing Director of JPK Fencing since 2005 following the death of his father and founder of JPK, John Paul Kearney.

“While we focused on designing and manufacturing better products, we also looked at our manufacturing systems. We decided to become ISO 9001:2008 compliant and this meant a root and branch analysis of the business” continued Kenneth.

“The new systems that we implemented drove efficiencies in the business and this in turn allowed up to be ultra competitive with a better product. What was really impressive about this was the way that the whol team embraced change in the business and worked with the company to secure its ongoing success. My fellow director Bridget and I are really proud to be part of this team” added Kenneth

The Awards prize package for ALL finalists includes an exhibition stand at that SFA National Small Business Showcase in February 2016, a strategic management masterclass weekend, a voucher for a Skillnets ManagementWorks management team/CEO course, as well as broad-ranging national and local media coverage, valued at €50,000.

An Taoiseach Enda Kenny, TD, who is Patron of the Awards, stated that: “As a passionate supporter of small firms I, on behalf of the Government, am delighted to support the SFA Awards. Small firms support the vast majority of jobs in all parts of our country and are leading our recovery. The Awards provide an opportunity to highlight the success of our small firms as they support our recovery by seeking out new markets and new opportunities. Supporting our small firms is essential to the Government's strategy of securing the recovery and spreading it to every part of the country.”

JPK Fencing www.jpk.ie is an Irish owned business specializing in the manufacturing high quality security & safety fencing. Since establishing in 1975 JPK Fencing has become one of Ireland's most reputable and reliable contractors in the field of Palisade Fencing, Motorway Safety Barriers, Acoustic Fencing, Round Bar Railing, Weldmesh Fencing, Chainlink Fencing, Timber Fencing and Pedestrian Guard Rails.