Martin Engineering Supplies celebrates 26 years of growth as Ballymena family business looks to next chapter

Martin Engineering Supplies founder Clifford Martin, with son Scott, managing director (centre), and members of the MES team.

For more than a quarter of a century, one Ballymena business has quietly built a reputation not only for supplying engineering products across Northern Ireland, but for doing business the old-fashioned way — through trust, relationships and hard work.

Today, Martin Engineering Supplies is celebrating 26 years in business and looking ahead to an ambitious future that will see the family-owned company expand beyond Northern Ireland into new markets across the Republic of Ireland and mainland UK.

What began in 2000 as a one-man operation founded by Clifford Martin has grown into a thriving business employing seven people, operating across three business units and supporting customers throughout multiple industries with a dedicated fleet of company vehicles.

It is a journey that reflects not only commercial success, but the determination, resilience and commitment that underpin so many of Northern Ireland’s family businesses.

From one-man operation to trusted industry partner

Since opening its doors, Martin Engineering Supplies has recorded year-on-year growth every single year — an achievement few businesses can claim over such a sustained period.

The company today supplies industrial and engineering products to customers across manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, transport, marine, water treatment, food production and the growing renewable energy sector.

Founder Clifford Martin says that consistency, customer service and reputation have been the foundations of that success.

“Our growth over the past 26 years is something we are extremely proud of,” he said.

“Each year since the company was established, we have increased our turnover. This reflects the trust our customers place in us and the dedication of our company team.”

The business credits its sustainable growth model to a simple formula — quality products, competitive pricing and exceptional customer service delivered consistently over many years.

Strong customer relationships and protecting the company’s reputation have remained central to every decision made along the way.

Lessons learned through the toughest years

While reaching 26 years in business is a milestone worth celebrating, Clifford is quick to acknowledge that success rarely arrives overnight.

Like many local entrepreneurs, he remembers the challenges that come with building a business from scratch — winning customers, establishing credibility and creating solid foundations for future growth.

“Walk before you can run is a bit of a cliché, but it’s very true,” he said.

“Growing a business can take years, and the first few years are probably the toughest.

“Getting your name out there, building a customer base, fine tuning your products and services and exploring innovative solutions throughout your business journey is key.

“Once you have laid those foundations, the sky’s the limit.”

It is advice forged through experience and one that many aspiring business owners across Ballymena and beyond will recognise.

A quarter century at Ballymena Business Centre

The story of Martin Engineering Supplies is closely linked with Ballymena Business Centre, which has been home to the company for the past 25 years.

Following rapid early growth, the business relocated to the centre where affordable premises and access to business support allowed the company to focus on expansion.

Clifford believes that decision played an important role in helping shape the business that exists today.

“Having a presence within Ballymena Business Centre for 25 years was essential to get us where we are today,” he said.

“Having an affordable base in a clean, tidy and modern complex meant there was more time to focus on the actual business side of things.

“The wraparound business support offered by the team at Ballymena Business Centre has always been provided when we needed it.”

As many local businesses continue to navigate challenging economic conditions, the relationship highlights the importance of accessible support networks for entrepreneurs and growing companies.

Passing the baton to the next generation

Perhaps the most significant chapter in the company’s recent history came in 2022 when Clifford’s son, Scott Martin, assumed day-to-day leadership of the business as Managing Director.

For many family businesses, succession can be one of the greatest challenges they face.

For Martin Engineering Supplies, it has become an opportunity for growth and transformation.

Clifford says Scott’s leadership, combined with fresh ideas and the adoption of modern technology, has helped drive the business forward at an impressive pace.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have built such a strong and loyal customer base to whom I am truly thankful,” he said.

“I would also like to thank my son Scott who took over the day-to-day leadership of the company in 2022 as Managing Director.

“His fresh ideas, forward-thinking approach and adoption of modern technology has enabled the company to excel by doubling both our turnover and staff numbers in just four years.

“Scott’s innovative ideas have taken the company in a direction required for today’s fast-moving commercial market.”

For Clifford, the milestone is not simply about looking back at what has been achieved, but taking pride in seeing the next generation carry the business forward.

“As we move forward to the next 25 years, I am grateful the company is in excellent hands and has a bright future ahead,” he added.

He also paid tribute to the staff at Ballymena Business Centre for the support and guidance they have provided throughout the company’s journey.

Eyes on export growth and expansion

While the business is taking time to celebrate 26 years of success, its focus remains firmly on the future.

Plans are already in place for additional locations, the launch of an online web shop and expansion into new export markets across the Republic of Ireland and mainland UK.

It represents another significant milestone for a Ballymena company that has steadily grown from local start-up to established regional supplier.

For Chief Executive of Ballymena Business Centre, Melanie Christie-Boyle MBE, Martin Engineering Supplies demonstrates what can be achieved through vision, perseverance and long-term thinking.

“The vision, determination and commitment to excellence have enabled Martin Engineering Supplies to build a thriving business which continues to grow year after year,” she said.

“Having supported this business journey from start-up to growth, we look forward to continuing our support as the next generation builds on stable foundations and continues success across new export markets.”

Built on loyalty, relationships and local roots

In an era when many businesses are measured solely by turnover figures and balance sheets, Martin Engineering Supplies offers a reminder that long-term success is often built on something far simpler — loyalty, trust and relationships that are nurtured over time.

Twenty-six years after Clifford Martin started the company on his own, the business remains proudly rooted in Ballymena while preparing to reach customers far beyond Northern Ireland.

For a family business that has grown year after year without losing sight of its values, the next chapter may prove to be its most exciting yet.

Find out more

For more information on Martin Engineering Supplies Ltd, visit www.mes-ltd.net, call 028 2563 0022 or email info@mes-ltd.net.

Customers can also visit Martin Engineering Supplies at Unit 37, Ballymena Business Centre, Fenaghy Road, Galgorm Parks, Ballymena, BT42 1FL.

From its base in Ballymena Business Centre, the company continues to serve customers across Northern Ireland while preparing for further expansion into the Republic of Ireland and mainland UK markets.