Sean McManus Tyres wins for sustainability 

18/04/2024

Sean McManus)

Sean McManus Tyres Ltd in Drogheda was delighted to be named Tyre Champion at the 2023 Pakman Awards which took place at the Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin. 

The long-established family business, which has its headquarters on the Marsh Road, was honoured for the number of environmental measures it has taken to improve sustainable practices. These measures include installing skylights in its tyre depot that resulted in an 80% reduction in lighting requirements and a 75% decrease in energy use due to the use of LED bulbs. 

The company has also upgraded its instore compressor which has resulted in increased energy performance. It also fitted eco-friendly heaters where possible around the premises, while all bins are colour-coded for recyclable materials. As a member of Circol ELT, Michelin last year collected 1,500 worn truck tyres from Sean McManus Tyres, which were used casings for retreading to extend the lifespan of the tyres. 

“Each year, we continue to be inspired by the phenomenal efforts of those making a positive impact in waste management and mitigation procedures. Now, more than ever, it is important to champion sustainability, and tonight, our winners have truly shown us that the future is bright,” Repak CEO Séamus Clancy said. 

“The standard of this year’s entries was not only exceptional, but serves as inspiration for others in how to deliver exemplary environmental practices.” 

Repak’s Pakman Awards are held annually and celebrate Ireland’s recycling and waste management champions who lead the way in their commitments to sustainability and the environment. Winning a Pakman Award is one of the highest accolades an organisation, company, community group or individual can receive for their environmental and waste management efforts. 

No stranger to receiving prestigious awards – it also scooped an Irish Tyre Safety Award last summer – Sean McManus Tyres Ltd was established over 50 years ago by Sean McManus, who sadly passed away in April 2022. The company is now fronted by his daughter Julie who inherited his passion for recycling and sustainability. 

“I worked alongside Sean for 21 years and learned everything I know about the business from him,” Julie explains. 

“He was always mindful of tyre recycling and hated waste of any description! ‘Don’t be throwing out things – everything has its place,” was his mantra. That rubbed off on me. I’m eager to promote and practice safer and more environmentally-friendly ways of doing things.” 

Julie continues: “We signed up for the Spring litter pick and keep our surrounding area litter-free. We take pride in the hedges and trees Sean planted himself many decades ago, and only cut / trim them after nesting season. We keep the area weed-free by only using eco-friendly weed killer. No poison is laid for rodents as that too will affect the birds of prey. We have a cat who controls that population!” 

Sean McManus Tyres Ltd is recognised as one of Ireland’s leading tyre retailers and tyre suppliers. It is proud to be part of the Michelin Certified Centre, which is awarded to tyre dealers who have reached the highest standard in all areas of the business. Michelin Tyres have a long-standing partnership with the family business going back to its inception. 

Sean McManus Tyres Ltd stocks all the other premium tyre brands, including Continental, Goodyear, Dunlop, Hankook, BF Goodrich and Uniroyal. These brands ensure your treads last longer than cheaper alternatives. Therefore, paying a few euros extra for your rubber could prove more cost-effective and more environmentally sustainable in the long run. 

Each and every customer that passes through the doors of Sean McManus Tyres Ltd is valued. “We want them to feel confident that not only are they spending their money wisely, but that we have provided a service which is second to none,” Julie says. 

Sean McManus Tyres Ltd offers free and impartial advice on the best quality tyres to suit your needs and budgets. The advice is based on longevity, a commitment to quality and a commitment to regulatory compliance. 

“We explain the pros and cons of premium and budget tyres from a longevity point of view,” Julie continues. 

“We support tyre manufacturers who are proactive in reducing CO2 and noise emissions through tyre technology. Premium brand tyres have a commitment to road safety through continued research and technology. All tyres come with labels rating them for grip as well as fuel efficiency and noise. We encourage customers to read the tyre labels and ask questions. 

“We, ourselves, have a commitment to sustainability in terms of phasing out PAH-rich oils in tyres by buying from the premium tyre manufacturers.” 

Sean McManus Tyres Ltd is No. 1 in the region for tyres, tracking, fast puncture repairs, balancing and emergency breakdown. The company has earned an enviable reputation for supplying, fitting and repairing tyres for cars, jeeps, trucks, tractors and quarry equipment. 

The Drogheda depot has everything Julie and her team need to repair and replace tyres, including Corghi tyre changers, wheel balancers, 3D and 4D wheel aligners and lifts. The company employs 15 people, including 11 tyre fitters, two sales representatives and two in accounts. 

“Our people are our greatest asset. I cannot praise them enough. They have a great rapport with our customers, some of whom have been loyal to us for over 40 years. We do get a kick out of that. One of our longest-serving staff members is our general manager Uvis Brokans who has been with us for 23 years. There is nothing he can’t do when it comes to tyres!” 

As a company that is strongly supported by the local community, Sean McManus Tyres Ltd is always keen to give back. To this end, it supports numerous fundraisers and charity events. Last Christmas, the tyre specialist held a raffle that raised over €2,000 for Dundalk Dog Rescue, while it’s holding another raffle this Christmas in aid of The Gary Kelly Cancer Centre in Drogheda. It proudly supports Stephen Lynch, who walked the length of Ireland to raise €50,000 for SOSAD, and gives away tyre vouchers as spot prizes for charities and local school raffles. Every year, the ladies in accounts take part in Cystic Fibrosis 10km which is another amazing charity. 

Sean McManus Tyres Ltd would like to take this opportunity to thank its clients and suppliers for their continued support as well as its highly-skilled, professional and friendly team for their hard work, dedication and expertise. 

McManus Tyres Ltd 

Marsh Road, 

Stagreenan, 

Drogheda, 

Co. Louth, 

A92 Rx63. 

Telephone: 041 983 7748 

Email: [email protected] 

Web: www.seanmcmanustyres.com 

First published in Irish Trucker magazine March/April 2024, Vol 27-1