Customer testimonial

TRAVERTINE

When Padraig and Ciaran Lynch launched Travertine Ireland Ltd in November 2006, it became the only true stone tile wholesaler in Ireland; all the other wholesalers also have retail outlets. But even then, they had no idea how much the company would grow in just two years.

“My background is in distribution,” Padraig explains, “but I’ve always had an interest in stone. When I bought an apartment in Turkey, I met someone with a travertine quarry, so it seemed a natural thing to do to import it and sell it in Ireland. Now we import stone from a number of countries, including Italy, Spain and China.”

Travertine sells 45 different types of stone suitable for kitchens, tile floors, etc, to 70 retail customers. But it has no warehouse and no vehicles - only an office in Dublin city centre, two sales staff, Padraig and Ciaran and, of course, Independent Express to provide its warehousing and distribution.
I used to deal with Independent Express when I worked with Fedex. In January this year I saw a delivery being made by Independent with their TPN liveried truck and contacted them.

“We used to have space in a warehouse in Newry, but that was expensive and a fair way from Dublin. By using Independent/TPN, we can pay for what we use and don’t have to invest in any capital equipment. We move approximately 20 or 30 crates of stone per week, but when it arrives at the port, it is in much bigger quantities. Independent Express will pick it up, store it and deliver to our customers as needed, and our costs vary to match requirements.

“I also like the idea of having 23 hauliers all linked to one system. We can see all our stock online, as well as get PODs and check dispatches, none of which I could do when I worked for bigger companies. The information I receive enables me to manage my business efficiently.”

Now Padraig wants to use Independent/TPN to access the UK market, although plans have not been finalised. “I think this business will expand,” Padraig emphasises, “but the only way we can do it cost-effectively is with Independent Express and TPN.”