Stadium fencing in Ireland is set to be revolutionised by the arrival of the new type of fencing which is exclusively available from Limerick-based distributors Irish Wire Products Ltd (IWP). The Lippi range IWP represents has specific wire for industrial, infrastructure, security and sporting applications. Lippi have a proven track record across the globe and have attained huge respect within the industry. The systems they produce meet all the necessary standards required by the EU, local authorities and sporting governing bodies such as FIFA and UEFA. The range is massive and even within their different areas there are specific systems for all eventualities. For example, the flagship product of the range is the Aquilon/Atlantis 21 security panel which can be used for industrial sites and also parking facilities for sports stadia. But inside the sports ground, the panel is adapted under the 'Stadium Fence' range which is a fence that prevents spectator intrusion onto the field during a match, while it also carries a wider mesh on the upper half of the panel to avoid intrusion of one's enjoyment of the game. "How many times have you had your view hampered by a concoction of concrete, chain-link or barb? It looks more like a prison camp than a field of dreams," comments IWP general manager Michael Cahill. "This is a great company to be involved with and they offer multiple solutions for all applications. We've already had a lot of enquiries from GAA clubs and our 'Stadium/Handrail Fence' range is suitable for stadium perimeters." The 'Stadium Fence' range is designed, first and foremost, with crowd safety in mind and the system can be fitted with a manual or automatic opening system to quickly evacuate in the event of any situation. The system was fitted in the Stade de France in Paris ahead of the World Cup soccer finals in 1998. Michael says: "We have been lucky here in Ireland with a clean history of trouble or rioting at sports events. But situations are always a possibility, and one would like to feel that, in such an event, that a solution exists after the mistakes have been made." There is also the 'Handrail' system which would be more appropriately used on running tracks but also on training grounds or smaller arenas. This comprises posts, panel and handrail in green or white. IWP have systems for tennis courts, basketball courts, swimming pools etc. Their industrial and security systems have been used in airports, energy plants, railways, household perimeters, prisons, border control etc. Irish Wire Products was established in 1935 on the Dock Road in Limerick. In 1938 the then Minister of Industry & Commerce Sean Lemass performed its official opening. Throughout the next few decades it became an important employer for the region and was affectionately known as 'The Wire' across the city. Manufacturing wire, nails and screws from its Dock Road facilities, the company quickly established itself in both Ireland and the UK. Inevitably, as with many heavy industries at the time, it became no longer feasible to produce the products in Ireland. Manufacturing ceased in the early 1980s and the company readily re-structured itself to become a key importer/wholesaler/distributor of wire and wire products to the trade. With vast knowledge of the industry from years of manufacturing, the company was perfectly poised to ensure that quality synonymous with Irish Wire Products was maintained. With strong links to all the major builder providers, trade distributors and large fencing contractors IWP has since gone from strength to strength. Originally quoted on the ISEQ, the company went through an MBO in 2000 and has been trading independently since then. The company is headed up by former Limerick football manager Paddy Mulvihill, who also played for Moyvane, Feale Rangers and Kerry in his younger days. With 45 employees, IWP has sales representatives covering the whole country representing a wide range of branded products from SPAX Woodscrews Tox Anchors, Skiffy parts, Easi-Fix fasteners to Tacwise, Alveus Sinks and Lippi fencing. Traditionally the company was built on agricultural wire such as stock fencing, barbed wire, plain coils, chicken wire netting but in recent years it has expanded its range to cater for the industrial and security applications of fencing. New technologies and advances in fencing manufacturing has, coupled with clients demands, become more specific and sophisticated to lead to a wide range of fencing systems on offer. Whereas in the past the customer was often quick to look for the cheapest option, contracts are now weighed against needs, longevity and cost effectiveness. The day of the one stop solution of chain-link is nearly over. There is now fencing solutions for almost every application. Even within the agricultural range there is fencing now specifically available for deer, ostrich, rabbit, badger and so on. IWP insists on quality products. Opening partnerships with reliable and reputable suppliers, most of its wire is sourced in Europe. The company resisted the race to the East where most wire manufacturing is based these days, and although price is advantageous, there are inconsistencies in quality and supply. The company prides itself on delivering a product it can stand over. Cork native Michael continues: "The mills we work with are old established business who have a passion for what they produce. The slightest detail is handled with great care and it has been a pleasure to work with some of these over the years. "Taking the time of course to research market needs and finding the right supplier can often be a saga but once found it relieves the nervousness when catering for large contracts. The motorway fencing we supply has been sent right around the country to the many large-scale projects underway over the last number of years. "The wire undergoes a rigorous process to pass inspection by the NRA. Credit due to this body for standardising the systems used, in assuring us, the driver, in the security around us. But we could not have done this without our supplier behind us. "The same applies to our fixing and fastener division where quality is paramount. We insist in offering a huge range as every application has different load bearing, erosion, pull out value etc requirements. For example, the SPAX range of screws we carry has different models for different applications. But generally people see a screw as being just a screw. There is much more to it, there is a science behind it all. We have been lucky to work with such proud companies and can applaud the Irish for their conscious effort to keep up with changes in fastening technology." IWP has recently supplied wire products to the following projects: Kerry Airport; Thornton Hall Prison; Gaelscoil Killarney; M1 Motorway, Dublin and Fota Island Wildlife Park, Cork. Approaching its 75th birthday, Irish Wire Products will continue to keep apace with new technologies and advances and hope to continue to bring its many customers quality products for another 75 years. For more information about Irish Wire Products Phone: 061-221100 or log onto www.irishwire.com Tweet

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