In 1968, Michael McArdle bought his first lorry and started his business venture in offering a reliable transportation service.
45 years on, the business has grown dramatically and is now a trusted partner amongst Irish exporters providing integrated logistics solutions for the food, pharmaceutical and dry goods sectors throughout Ireland, UK and continental Europe. These specialist services include transport, temperature controlled distribution and storage.
The business employs over 80 people locally and over the last decade has seen rapid expansion of its storage facilities, culminating in a 20,000 pallet storage facility on a 13 acre logistics site. McArdle Skeath is strategically located off the M1 on the main corridor between Dublin and Belfast.
The business has adapted to an ever changing logistics environment which was a major reason for the acquisition of Skeath Transport in 2008, a specialist in food and pharmaceutical distribution. The two new businesses were formally merged to what we now know as McArdle Skeath.
The company now celebrates 45 years in business this year. To mark the occasion, an Open Day was held on Thursday 7th November. Speaking at the celebration, General Manager Micheál McArdle commented that “The growth of McArdle Skeath has been significant for us and our clients, especially at a time when the industry faces many challenges”. Micheál went on to say that the company is “focused on attaining accreditations and approvals from regulatory bodies such as the IMB (Irish Medicines Board); the Department of Agriculture, Department of Transport, NSAI and the FDA (US Food and Drug Administration)”. Micheál continued “It is imperative for us to provide each of our clients with the most effective ethical solution possible, as we are our client’s representation on the ground”.
Micheál concluded that “McArdle Skeath’s growth over 45 years is underpinned by quality, trust and compliance, we listen and understand the needs of our clients; we are determined to be the logistics specialist of choice for those requiring a failsafe, timely and integrated logistic partner.”
A major focus point for the business in 2013 has been continuous improvements to its core regulated areas of the pharmaceutical distribution chain. This has seen McArdle Skeath gain GDP (Good Distribution Practice) certifications, the only recognised distribution accreditation within the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare industry regulated by the IMB and the European Medicines Agency.
McArdle Skeath deploy best practices, ensuring highest quality standards for patients and consumers. The rules and regulations imposed on the transport of pharmaceuticals is high sensitive and stringent and the company recognises the severe consequences to human lives that may occur if the pharmaceutical integrity is not maintained. Patient safety at all times is McArdle Skeath’s number one focus”
