ECC Timber Products, Ireland’s largest single-site sawmill operation, has strengthened its partnership with Masterlift through the recent acquisition of 12 new Hyundai 9-Series forklifts.
This strategic fleet upgrade demonstrates how the right material handling equipment can support a company processing 600,000 cubic meters of logs annually while maintaining the highest safety and operational standards.
Check out the full video below.
Company Background
ECC Timber Products is based in Cornamona, County Galway, and stands as a remarkable Irish success story.
Founded in 1992 by PJ Fahy, the company has experienced extraordinary growth, expanding from a €1 million turnover operation to a €100 million enterprise today.
As Ireland’s largest single-site producer of sawn and planed timber products, ECC operates a comprehensive sawmill facility that processes construction, pallet, and fencing materials primarily for the Irish and UK markets. The company exports over 65% of its products to the UK, making it Ireland’s largest exporter of solid timber.
Key Operations Statistics:
- Annual Processing: 600,000 cubic meters of logs
- Daily Intake: 70 loads of logs per day
- Export Volume: 65% of products to UK markets
- Kiln Drying: 60% of timber production requires kiln drying
- Operation Type: Single-site facility with two-shift operations
The Challenge
ECC’s substantial daily operations present unique material handling challenges:
- Volume Management: Processing 70 loads of logs daily requires reliable, heavy-duty equipment
- Diverse Material Handling: Managing different timber lengths and weights, from pallet materials to construction timber
- Kiln Drying Operations: C16 construction timber for UK export requires specialized handling during the kiln drying process
- Space Constraints: Maneuvering in tight spaces while maintaining safety standards
- Continuous Operations: Two-shift work requiring ergonomic, comfortable equipment for operator welfare
The Solution: Hyundai 9-Series Fleet
Masterlift Ireland delivered a comprehensive fleet upgrade consisting of:
- 10 x 5-tonne Hyundai 9-Series forklifts
- 2 x 8-tonne Hyundai 9-Series forklifts
This brings ECC’s total Hyundai fleet to 18 forklifts, ranging from 2.5-tonne to 8-tonne capacity, all from the advanced 9-Series range.
Strategic Equipment Selection
5-Tonne Forklifts: Chosen specifically for their exceptional maneuverability and lifting capacity relative to size, these units excel in handling pallet materials and shorter timber lengths in confined spaces.
8-Tonne Forklifts: Essential for kiln drying operations, these heavy-duty units manage the substantial weight of dried timber and handle the high-volume material move
ment required in the drying process.
Key Benefits Realised
1. Enhanced Maneuverability
The Hyundai 9-Series forklifts provide superior maneuverability in ECC’s varied operational spaces, from open yard areas to confined indoor processing zones.
2. Operator Comfort and Safety
- Ergonomic Design: Spacious, well-designed cabs with load suspension
- Extended Visibility: Enhanced cab visibility with rear-facing cameras
- Safety Features: Critical for operations with 18 forklifts moving simultaneously across the site
- Shift-Ready: Comfortable operation during full-shift work patterns
3. Operational Efficiency
- Reliable Performance: Consistent handling of diverse timber products
- Capacity Matching: Right-sized equipment for specific applications
- Reduced Downtime: Dependable Hyundai engineering minimises operational disruptions
4. Health and Safety Excellence
With 18 forklifts operating across the site during two-shift operations, safety is paramount. The advanced visibility features and rear-facing cameras significantly reduce accident risk and improve overall site safety.
The Partnership Advantage
ECC’s relationship with Masterlift exemplifies the value of long-term partnerships in business success.
Partnership Highlights:
- 15-Year Relationship: Building trust and understanding over more than a decade
- Sixth Major Order: Demonstrating consistent satisfaction and confidence
- Local Support: Aligned with founder PJ Fahy’s commitment to supporting local businesses
- Responsive Service: Immediate response to any issues, with on-site support within hours
- Personal Relationship: Strong personal connections built over years of collaboration
“We find that with Masterlift we can pick up the phone at any given time. If there’s any issues, they’re out on site within hours. Any issues are resolved very quickly,” says Conor Fahey, General Manager, ECC Timber Products.
Results and Impact
The strategic fleet upgrade has delivered measurable benefits:
- Improved Operational Flow: Enhanced maneuverability supports efficient material movement
- Enhanced Safety Record: Advanced visibility features contribute to safer operations
- Operator Satisfaction: Ergonomic design reduces fatigue and improves job satisfaction
- Operational Reliability: Dependable equipment supports consistent production schedules
- Future-Proofing: Modern fleet capable of supporting continued business growth
Looking Forward
ECC’s confidence in the Hyundai 9-Series fleet and Masterlift’s service represents more than equipment acquisition — it’s an investment in operational excellence and continued growth.
“The confidence we’ve shown in Masterlift and Hyundai in placing this order for the Hyundai fleet can further propel them into getting more orders within the industry,” notes Conor Fahey.
Conclusion
ECC Timber Products’ success story demonstrates how the right material handling partnership can support extraordinary business growth.
From a €1 million startup to Ireland’s largest timber exporter, ECC’s journey has been supported by reliable equipment and trusted partnerships.
The latest Hyundai 9-Series fleet acquisition reinforces ECC’s commitment to operational excellence while showcasing Masterlift Ireland’s ability to deliver comprehensive solutions for Ireland’s most demanding industrial operations.
About Masterlift Ireland: Established in 1985, Masterlift Ireland is the country’s leading forklift supplier, specializing in sales, rental, training, servicing, and parts. As an authorised dealer for world-leading brands including Hyundai, Combilift, JCB, and Aisle Master, Masterlift provides comprehensive material handling solutions backed by 24/7 support nationwide.
About ECC Timber Products: Founded in 1992 by PJ Fahy, ECC Timber Products is Ireland’s largest single-site sawmill operation, processing 600,000 cubic meters of logs annually and exporting over 65% of products to UK markets.