'The fire could have been the end of the story. Instead, we chose to see it as the beginning of something bigger'

From ashes to innovation. That was the uplifting message at the official ribbon cutting of the new production facility of Timeless Sash Windows built on the footprint of the premises that was gutted in a devasating blaze three years ago.

The fire that tore through the 11,000 sq ft joinery in just a matter of hours took with it nearly 50 years of the Callaghan family's blood sweat and tears. How could the business recover, what would become of the 50 or so jobs and their families?

The answer lay in the DNA of the Callaghan clan. Resilience, determination and sheer bloody-mindedness was the only course of action they could coutenenace, to rise from the ashes and build back better.

Thirty six months after that fateful April night, the company established by Gerry Callaghan in 1973 and now run by sons Barry and Pearse, began a powerful new chapter in the company’s story, one that has seen the workforce almost double, the footprint of the original building grow bigger and vision for the future that sees only growth and expansion.

“Our team could have seen the fire as the end of our story,” said Managing Director Barry Callaghan. “Instead, we chose to see it as the beginning of something bigger, a chance to rebuild stronger, greener, and better than before.”

Recalling the fire of April 2022, Barry describes it as a “tough, tough time”, but that a family summit round the kitchen table at his parents house the following day copper fastened their resolve to rebuild.

“I won't lie, it did cross our mind (not to continue) for probably 20-30 minutes the following morning, but after that 30 minutes, we discussed our options and felt laying down certainly wasn't going to be one of them. We were going to regroup and move forward and see where that took us. It's not really in our nature to lay down and we're used to getting bangs over the years, but that's life, and what doesn't kill you makes us stronger.

Former Meath footballer Barry, who was part of Colm O'Rourke's backroom team paid tribute to his loyal staff, some of whom have been with the firm for over 30 years.

“There's an obligation to them, an obligation to our suppliers, an obligation to our customers, but particularly our staff.

“When I saw what happened the next morning (after the fire), guys wading through the ashes trying to find out what's good, what's not good, not knowing if they had a job the next week, not asking if they had a job the next week, just the generosity of our staff and the generosity of spirit. It was uplifting, and our minds were made up at that point to move on, we were only going to go one way here.

“And we had super support from our neighbours, the local community, our suppliers, competitors, and Meath County Council, Trim council here. Just the willingness to help out in any way they could. Absolutely exceptional. I won't forget that and it's very much in the front of my mind today.

The factory in Eamonn Duggan Industrial Estate is now also self sufficient as Timeless Sash Windows looks to become a leader in sustainable manufacturing.

“We hope to create a net zero manufacturing premises with the new facility as a leader for sustainable manufacturing. We have solar power, with 113kW of PV panels across the roof generating clean renewable energy, circular heating, with a biomass burner turning timber waste into heat and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and new machinery, unique in Ireland, to enhance precision, efficiency, and quality,” says Barry.

For proud father, Gerry Callaghan who founded the business in 1973 and wife, Maureen the cutting of the ribbon was a special day.

“It's a brilliant day, to be in this position now after the fire and a recession before that. To see what Barry and Pearse have done, it's amazing and I can't thank them enough.”

Wife Maureen was equally proud to see how the company has literally risen from the ashes.

“It was so devastating that night of the fire. So many of the workers were stood here watching the place going up in flames. And we met in our house the next day and Barry said: 'We have to have a short term, medium term and a long term plan'. And he was ready for moving on.

“We got great support from the other joiners who offered premises and the staff were brilliant, like they all came in. They worked really hard, cleaning up, tidying up, trying to salvage anything that was salvageable. And so to go from there to here is just incredible.”

The new premises was officially opened by Minister Helen McEntee, while also in attendance was Deputy John Guirke, Senator Linda Nelson Murray, Cllrs Aisling Dempsey, Joe Fox and Ronan Moore.