For more than 30 years, Treaty Plant Hire has been a key player in Ireland’s plant hire sector, evolving from a small, family-run operation into a well-established provider of high-quality machinery and equipment.
Founded in 1993 by Richard “Dick” Reidy, the business began in a modest premises in Roxboro, Limerick, before relocating to its current site in the late 1990s. With a background in plant hire from his time at General Plant in Limerick, Dick saw an opportunity to build something of his own, and Treaty Plant Hire was born.
Since taking the helm in 2016, Managing Director Gary Reidy has overseen steady expansion, both in terms of fleet size and customer reach. “Our focus is on continued growth,” says Gary.
“We’re looking at adding a new depot to accommodate our larger plant. Our current site has served us well, but with the scale of operations today, we need more space to meet demand efficiently.”
An Expanding Fleet with Market-Leading Brands
With a fleet of around 500 items of plant and equipment, Treaty Plant Hire provides a comprehensive range of plant and equipment to cater to various sectors, from construction and infrastructure to agriculture and industrial applications.
Their diverse inventory includes:
- Garden and landscaping equipment – mowers, strimmers, woodchippers, stump grinders, and rotovators.
- Power tools – a full range of Hilti corded and cordless drills.
- Air compressors and tools – mobile diesel compressors (90–750 CFM) and air tools.
- Compaction machinery – wacker plates, trench rollers, and rollers ranging from 1.5 to 13 tonnes.
- Dumpers – from 1-tonne Slane track dumpers to wheeled dumpers in 1, 2, 3, 6, and 9-tonne sizes.
- Excavators – from 0.8-tonne micro diggers to 21-tonne models, with Komatsu, Doosan, and Yanmar leading the lineup.
- Teleporters – available in 4m, 6m, 9m, 14m, and 18m capacities from Gehl, Manitou, and JCB.
- Power generation – generators ranging from 3.5 kVA to 450 kVA.
- Surveying equipment, traffic management systems, welders, washers, pumps, and more.
Fleet expansion is a key priority, with recent acquisitions including Komatsu 3, 5, and 8-tonne excavators from McHale Plant Sales, Mecalac dumpers from EMS Machinery, and Zoomlion scissor lifts for their growing access division. Treaty Plant Hire also stocks JCB, Skyjack, and JLG access equipment, ensuring a broad range of solutions for working at height.
Meeting the Demand for Eco-Friendly Equipment
With sustainability becoming a driving force in construction and plant hire, Treaty Plant Hire is responding to increasing interest in battery-powered machinery. While the company currently offers battery-powered access equipment, they are actively exploring options to introduce battery-powered excavators and dumpers. “We’re getting more enquiries about electric plant, and we want to be ready when customers make the shift,” says Gary.
Strong Supplier Partnerships & Advanced Fleet Management
Maintaining a large and varied fleet requires strong relationships with leading industry suppliers. Treaty Plant Hire works closely with McHale Plant Sales and EMS Machinery, both of whom provide invaluable support in terms of equipment sourcing and aftersales service.
“We’re fortunate to have excellent suppliers who offer great advice and efficient parts supply,” says Gary.
A crucial figure in keeping the fleet running smoothly is Head Mechanic Kieran Quinn, who has been with the company for 25 years. “Kieran’s expertise is second to none – there aren’t many challenges he hasn’t seen before,” Gary adds.
The company also leverages advanced fleet management technology to optimise operations. MCS software is used for hire management, Sage for accounts, and ABAX tracking ensures visibility of all assets, helping to reduce downtime and improve efficiency.
A Strong Team Driving Success
Behind every successful plant hire business is a dedicated team, and Treaty Plant Hire is no exception. The leadership group includes:
• Gary Reidy – Managing Director
• Deirdre Reidy – Accounts
• Kevin Meade – Hire Controller
• Kieran Quinn – Service Manager
• Transport Team – Podge O’Connell, Tommy Short, and Eric Steele
“We’re lucky to have a solid team that keeps everything running smoothly. It makes a big difference when you’ve got people who know the business inside out,” says Gary.
Serving a Wide Range of Clients Across Ireland
Treaty Plant Hire’s client base spans a variety of industries, including construction, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and manufacturing. While the company primarily operates across Munster, they frequently travel further afield to support long-term customers across Ireland. “We’ve built strong relationships over the years, and when our customers need us, we go the extra mile – quite literally,” says Gary.
The Future of Plant Hire & Market Challenges
Looking ahead, Gary expects the plant hire industry to continue growing as equipment costs rise, making hire a more attractive option than outright purchase. However, he highlights an ongoing challenge: hire rates have not kept pace with rising costs.
“In the past, we worked off a simple rule – 1% of a machine’s purchase price per week for hire. Now, in some cases, that’s dropped below 0.5%, which isn’t sustainable. The industry needs to align on realistic hire rates, just as other sectors have done,” he explains.
Future Growth Plans
Treaty Plant Hire is focused on long-term expansion, with several key objectives for the next five years:
• Opening a new depot to support growing demand and fleet expansion.
• Broadening the fleet to meet increasing customer requirements.
• Launching a pumping division in the next year.
With a strong foundation, an expanding fleet, and a forward-thinking approach, Treaty Plant Hire is well-positioned for the future. As demand for plant hire continues to grow, the company is committed to delivering high-quality equipment, excellent service, and innovative solutions to support Ireland’s evolving construction and industrial sectors.
Treaty Plant Hire
Unit 1 Roxboro Enterprise Centre Childers Road V94 HY75
+35361316196
info@treatyplanthire.ie
