Meeting client expectations with a standards-based approach
Kavanagh Crane Hire Ltd. is Ireland’s largest fleet-owned crane company, providing crane hire services across the manufacturing, pharmaceutical, renewables, construction, engineering, and built environment sectors. Operating nationwide, the business’ trusted reputation and expanding portfolio have positioned them as a key supplier to the Irish construction industry and more recently, the growing wind and solar renewables sector.
The challenge
With a growing client base and increasingly complex prequalification demands, Kavanagh Crane Hire recognised that achieving ISO certification would be essential to continuing their upward trajectory. Despite already holding most of the required documentation, the business had no prior experience of certification and needed support implementing a structured, compliant management system from the ground up.
Starting from scratch proved a significant challenge, especially when aligning documentation with ISO standards and coordinating safety processes across their expansive fleet. To bridge this gap, the team brought in an external consultant to establish a robust Safety Management System that would meet the requirements of three standards – ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001.
The solution
Kavanagh Crane Hire selected Amtivo (formerly Certification Europe) based on their excellent reputation, expertise, and INAB-accreditation, prioritising a certification body that could offer both credibility and a proven track record.
Although the Managing Director and ISO Coordinator were apprehensive before their initial assessment, the professionalism and warmth of Amtivo’s assessor made a lasting impact. Her extensive knowledge of large plant machinery and understanding of the crane industry ensured a relevant and reassuring experience.
The process
Some of the key elements that contributed to Kavanagh Crane Hire’s successful certification included:
- Structured systems implementation: Working with an external consultant, the business aligned their operations with the requirements of the ISO standards they were seeking to achieve, embedding a consistent framework across the organisation.
- Assessor expertise: The friendly, engaging approach of the auditor helped alleviate stress during assessments, with her in-depth understanding of large plants proving invaluable.
- Responsive support from the Amtivo team: The ISO Coordinator maintained close contact with the certification team, receiving timely guidance and clarification that helped the business to address outstanding issues efficiently.
Key results
- Improved prequalification success: Certification removed a major barrier in securing client contracts and opened new commercial opportunities.
- Enhanced reputation and credibility: As Ireland’s largest crane hire provider, the business can now confidently demonstrate its commitment to quality, safety, and sustainability.
- Stronger client relationships: Certification underlines the company’s promise to protect its people, its environment, and the communities it operates in, strengthening client trust and satisfaction.
- Return on investment: While difficult to quantify, the company believes the benefits of ISO certification have already delivered measurable success through new client wins and improved stakeholder confidence.
The experience with Amtivo
Kavanagh Crane Hire’s certification journey was marked by standout professionalism and support from Amtivo. The ISO Coordinator received ongoing assistance throughout the process, with the assessor playing a pivotal role in helping the business understand requirements and approach the audit stages with confidence.
