From a Small Bray Workshop to Ireland’s Leading Manufacturer: The Tynan Family’s Legacy of Quality,
Innovation, and Sustainability.
In the world of electrical manufacturing and distribution, few companies in Ireland can boast the rich history and remarkable growth that PEMCO—Progress Electroplating and Manufacturing Co. Ltd—has achieved. As the company celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2024, it stands as a testament to the vision, innovation, and resilience of its founder, Joseph Tynan Snr., and the generations of Tynan’s who have followed in his footsteps.
The Origins: A Visionary Start
PEMCO’s journey began in 1974, a time when Joseph Tynan Snr., an electrician by trade, recognised a gap in the market. Unable to find earth rods for his work, Joe took it upon himself to create them. What started in a modest Bray workshop, with Joe cutting and preparing rods for galvanisation, soon grew into something far greater. The company’s name—Progress Electroplating and Manufacturing Co.—embodied Joe’s early efforts in electroplating and his ambition for progress in the industry.
By the mid-1980s, PEMCO had expanded into plastic manufacturing, acquiring its first tool for producing plastic flush boxes. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of PEMCO’s transformation from a small operation into Ireland’s leading manufacturer of electrical components.
Growth Through Innovation and Family Dedication
Under Joe’s leadership, and later with the support of his sons Sean, Paul, Tommy, Joey and his daughter Elizabeth, PEMCO thrived. The boys & Paddy Kavanagh, took charge of production, ensuring the factory’s operations ran smoothly. Meanwhile, Joseph focused on sales, personally delivering products to wholesalers across Ireland. The company’s reputation for reliability and quality began to spread, and by the 1990s, PEMCO was running 24-hour shifts to keep up with demand.
The Tynan family’s dedication was key to PEMCO’s success. Their technical expertise kept the factory’s machines humming, while Paul’s leadership in sales drove the company’s expansion into new markets. PEMCO support the Electrical Wholesale Industry & Buying Groups daily delivering a full range of Cable Management Systems, PVC Flush and Surface Boxes, Metal Boxes, Earth Rods and boxes, PVC Conduit and Accessories, Wiring Accessories, Lighting, and much more.
Embracing Sustainability
Like many manufacturing companies, PEMCO faced significant challenges during the late 2000s, particularly with increased competition from cheaper overseas markets. Despite the tough times, PEMCO adapted, making strategic investments in new machinery and focusing on sustainability. The recent addition of a €300,000 premium extrusion line, designed for energy efficiency and environmental protection, exemplifies the company’s forward-thinking approach.
Today, PEMCO not only manufactures trunking, conduits and PVC boxes, in its state-of-the-art 20,000 sq. ft. facility in Bray but is also the only Irish company producing these essential electrical components. PEMCO specialises in all types of PVC and custom plastic extrusions, with a large number of stock tools available to make rigid profiles while offering custom tooling for bespoke profiles at competitive prices. PEMCO operates four separate extrusion lines.
PEMCO delivers quality final products with injection moulding, using cutting-edge technology, high-quality tools, and robust internal quality procedures to ensure projects are completed right the first time, on time and every time. PEMCO has the experience to develop equipment, design tooling and the capacity to fill high volume orders on tight deadlines.
The company’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its recycling initiatives and its ongoing efforts to reduce energy consumption and waste.
A Legacy of Quality and Service
As PEMCO celebrates 50 years in business, the company remains a family-run enterprise, now in its third generation, with Managing Director Elizabeth Tynan, along with Tommy, Ryan & Tomas Tynan, continuing the legacy. The company’s core values—quality, customer service, and innovation—Going further to exceed customers’ expectations is part of our DNA. Our comprehensive stock profile, reliable delivery, competitive pricing, and knowledgeable staff are the reason our customers come back again and again.
PEMCO’s story is one of resilience and innovation, but above all, it is a story of family. The Tynans have built more than just a successful business; they have created a legacy that will continue to light the way for the electrical industry in Ireland and beyond.
Looking to the Future
With half a century of experience behind them, PEMCO is poised for future growth. The company’s collaboration with Enterprise Ireland to expand internationally, coupled with its commitment to sustainability and innovation, ensures that PEMCO will remain a leader in the electrical manufacturing industry for years to come.
As they celebrate this milestone, the Tynan family and all at PEMCO can take pride in knowing that they have not only built a successful business but also contributed to the broader community by creating jobs, fostering innovation, and driving sustainable practices in the industry. Here’s to another 50 years of progress, passion, and success.
Serving the Electrical Wholesale industry all over Ireland daily.
