Case Study 4:
Industrial & Farm Machinery (IFM)
Supporting rural industry through smart expansion.
Strategic Background
Industrial & Farm Machinery (IFM) is a second-generation manufacturing company based in Dunleer, Co. Louth, with a long-standing commitment to regional development and job creation. Established in 1968, IFM evolved from a local hydraulic hose supplier into a national distributor and OEM partner, producing over 7,000 custom hose assemblies weekly in their purpose-built facility (source).
By 2018, its 50th year in operation, growth demands had outpaced the capacity of its original premises. In response, IFM initiated a major expansion to scale operations while staying rooted in its home community. The project aligned with our mission: delivering strategic infrastructure that balances economic ambition with community benefit.
Planning & Collaboration
IFM’s expansion project required careful coordination between IFM leadership, local authorities, and planning stakeholders. Brady Hughes Consulting was engaged as lead consultant to secure planning permission and guide development strategy through to delivery.
Working alongside IFM’s internal team and local partners, BHC delivered a planning application that addressed zoning, wastewater management, parking, and environmental requirements. Notably, we supported efforts to modernise the facility while preserving site continuity, ensuring the new build complemented IFM’s long-standing community presence (planning file).
Our Role & Services
Community Collaboration
IFM’s commitment to remaining in Dunleer is deeply aligned with our ethos of sustainable, community-first development. By choosing to expand in place rather than relocate, IFM preserved and expanded rural employment, offering skilled jobs in manufacturing, sales, and admin — all within commuting distance for local residents (source).
The project became more than a facilities upgrade — it was an investment in people, place, and resilience. Through open dialogue and a shared vision with stakeholders, we helped ensure the expansion would be viewed not only as a company milestone but as a win for the wider Dunleer community.
infrastructure
The development introduced:
408 m² of new internal space, including upgraded warehousing, retail and office units
A modernised shopfront and signage, enhancing IFM’s customer-facing presence
A new on-site wastewater treatment system, replacing legacy infrastructure
Improved parking layouts and logistics access, future-proofing operations
These infrastructure enhancements were integrated seamlessly with the existing footprint, ensuring both operational continuity and modern compliance.
sustainability
Beyond functional design, the project delivered real sustainability gains:
Shorter commutes: With more jobs based in Dunleer, employees reduced long-distance travel, cutting carbon emissions (WWF analysis)
Energy efficiency: Modern construction and insulation standards reduced heating needs
On-site water treatment and landscaping improved the site’s environmental footprint
This holistic approach demonstrates that industrial growth in rural areas can — and should — include climate-sensitive design.
Milestones & Project Outcomes
Planning secured and approved via Louth County Council and An Bord Pleanála
Construction completed with minimal disruption in 2019
Retail, warehouse, and office units now fully operational
IFM awarded “Best Family Business” in Co. Louth in recognition of its legacy and growth (Louth Business Awards)
Challenges & How We Overcame Them
Live Site Constraints
Construction took place without disrupting IFM’s day-to-day activity through phased planning and close contractor coordination.
Outdated Infrastructure
We replaced legacy wastewater systems and redesigned site access and parking to support long-term operations.
Planning Complexity
We navigated multi-stage planning approvals, managing all technical submissions and communication with An Bord Pleanála.
Insights for Future Projects
For rural enterprises seeking to grow sustainably, this project is proof that strategic engineering can drive economic and environmental gains in tandem.
IFM’s Dunleer expansion is a clear example of how family-run, rural enterprises can scale successfully without compromising on values. Through collaborative planning and resilient infrastructure, the project delivered not only capacity for business growth but regional economic and environmental benefits.
Our strategic involvement helped ensure that every element — from site layout to wastewater systems — reflected a forward-thinking, community-rooted vision. This case is a blueprint for sustainable rural expansion, reaffirming our commitment to shaping communities through strategy.
Summary & Strategic Impact
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