Business

McAvoy siblings return to their roots with new modular building start-up

Conor McAvoy and his sister Orla McAvoy-Corr.
Conor McAvoy and his sister Orla McAvoy-Corr. Conor McAvoy and his sister Orla McAvoy-Corr.

THE former directors of Co Tyrone modular construction group McAvoy have announced a £500,000 investment in a new modular building start-up.

Conor McAvoy and sister Orla McAvoy-Corr left the former family-owned business in April 2021, just over a year after it was acquired by London-based private equity firm Blantyre Capital.

Started by their late father Seamus McAvoy in 1972, the construction company had operated in the Coalisland and Dungannon area for almost 50 years.

Seamus McAvoy was murdered by the IRA in Dublin in 1985 as part of campaign targetting civilian contractors who allegedly supplied materials to the security services.

Originally based on the Derryvale Road in Coalisland, McAvoy relocated to a new factory on the Ballynakilly Road during 1993.

The group’s new owners sold its headquarters in December 2020 to former GAA All-star turned engineering entrepreneur Kevin McCabe. McAvoy continues to trade from its base in Lisburn.

Seamus McAvoy’s children have now returned to the Derryvale Road to launch their new business.

Trading sinceJune 2021, Mac Zero now employs 14 people. But it’s set to expand rapidly with £500,000 being invested in the refurbishment and extension of its manufacturing site, was well as the purchase of new machinery, new vehicles, creation and development of the Mac Zero brand and the installation of a new IT system to support the growing business.

The start-up has already a number of significant contracts including securing a framework with the Department of Education.

“We’ve returned to our roots on the Derryvale Road, and since Orla and I started Mac Zero last year, we have been humbled by the support of our business associates from our many years’ experience in modular construction,” said Conor McAvoy.

He said they remain committed to continuing their father’s legacy of creating high quality spaces through innovative manufacturing and exceptional service levels.

“Mid-Tyrone is recognised for its highly skilled workforce, and we’re delighted to be joined in the business by construction experts who are leaders in their field.

“Creating jobs in the locality, generating business for suppliers and supporting our community is very much a core value of the business, and is reflective of the family values that we bring with us to Mac Zero.”

Orla McAvoy-Corr added: “With over 50 years’ combined experience in modular construction, Conor and I are building a company based on our strengths, and are creating a business that is agile, personable and with exceptional customer service at its core. In less than a year’s trading, we have already accomplished some major milestones that we’re extremely proud of.

“We’re passionate about driving the sustainability agenda, and in addition to the frameworks and growth of Mac Zero, we’re delighted to have consistently exceeded compliance targets for our customers across Ireland.”