Small Talk with Colm Warren of Colm Warren Polyhouses Ltd

Colm Warren, owner, Colm Warren Polyhouses Ltd

Colm discusses the journey of his family-owned business, Colm Warren Polyhouses Ltd, and shares his insights on the current state of the manufacturing industry in Ireland

Horticulture

12 December 2024

In association with Tully Nurseries

At Growtrade, we’re running an interview series titled ‘Small Talk’, where we talk to various influential members of Ireland’s horticulture trade. This month’s conversation is with Colm Warren, owner, Colm Warren Polyhouses Ltd (C.W.P. Ltd).

C.W.P. Ltd has been in business for over 36 years, specialising in the manufacture, supply, and construction of curved roof buildings.

Initially focused on providing polytunnels and greenhouses to the horticultural and agricultural industries, the company now also supplies canopy structures for garden centers, DIY stores, and the leisure industry.

1. How did you get your start in Manufacturing?

Our father Colm Warren Snr started the business in 1974. He had started off himself growing tomatoes and vegetables. He had bought some tunnels one year but the storm of that year destroyed the tunnels. So he went across to England researching for a stronger polytunnel.

He found a company over there, brought back the tunnels here and tried them out himself. He then became an agent for the company selling here in Ireland. After a number of years putting up one of the larger tunnels and creating a factory he started bending the polytunnels himself.

Colm Snr worked at building the company up to be one of the bigger suppliers of multi link greenhouses, polytunnels etc for the horticultural sector. From there on the mushroom industry took off and the company linked up with Monaghan Mushrooms and from there Colm Warren Polyhouses grew, by manufacturing the majority of mushroom tunnels installed around the country.

The company then branched into manufacturing Garden Centre Canopies while still continuing to supply the large scale Greenhouses and tunnels for the horticultural and nursery business. Over the years I worked my summers and time off from school in the business before coming to work full time and continue growing the business.

2. What was one of the proudest moments in your career to date?

Working with customers on projects and seeing them come to fruition over time gives me a big sense of achievement on a day to day basis. I am very proud to have the opportunity to contribute to the continuing growth and development of the company.

3. What was one of the greatest challenges you faced?

The downturn in 2008, trying to create new products and make sales in a reduced market, while maintaining the same work force and keeping them employed in a very changing and volatile market was very challenging. Our staff have remained very loyal over the years and for that, we are grateful.

4. Give an example of recent success

Winning the contract to supply and fit garden centre canopy structures to multiple Woodies stores throughout Ireland.

5. What are the greatest challenges facing the Manufacturing industry today?

I see the greatest challenge at the moment is the lack of skilled labour in the country. I think companies will find it hard to fill roles.

6. What are the greatest opportunities facing the Manufacturing industry today?

People in this country are more aware of where products are coming from and more willing to buy Irish products knowing that they are created and produced in this country.

So there is opportunity to create new manufacturing businesses with help and support from Government business schemes as long as there are not too many onerous hoops to be jumped through.

7. What advice would you give to someone starting a career in Manufacturing?

To work hard and be willing to learn from those around you that have the experience. Honesty, positive attitude, openness with a willingness to listen, learn and share.

8. What are your hopes for the future of the industry?

My hopes would be better support and promotion for Irish designed manufactured products.

Small Talk is produced in association with Tully Nurseries, one of Ireland’s wholesale nurseries supplying landscape contractors, garden centres, DIYs and supermarkets in Ireland and the UK. For more visit tullynurseries.ie

For more information on Colm Warren Polyhouses Ltd, please visit here.