History

“I don’t know much about history, and I wouldn’t give a nickel for all the history in the world. History is more or less bunk. It is tradition. We want to live in the present, and the only history that is worth a damn is the history we make”, Henry Ford.

Quinn Vehicles is a privately owned family run business dating back to 1804 based in Athenry, Co Galway. Originally blacksmiths, we have adapted through the years to meet the demands of an ever growing transport industry. The early 1980’s saw the start or our refrigerated vehicle manufacture. Over time we have built up an in-depth knowledge of fridge building technology and can provide you with a complete solution, from design to manufacture. From our roots back in 1804 we apply the same philosophy as we do today – to continue to work closely with our customers and provide a quality product, at the right price.

1804 Founded by John Quinn in Knockbrack, Co Galway, manufacturing horse drawn carts.
1895 Moved factory into centre location in Athenry, Co Galway, following demand.
1920 Due to increase demand moved to larger premises in Catheroyne, Athenry.
1950 Diversified into the manufacture of agricultural transport in particular tipper trailers.
1969 Moved into a new purpose built factory in Ballydavid, Athenry. This is the site of the current factory.
1970 Manufacture & supply of the first dry freight truck for the Irish market.
1985 Manufacture of first refrigerated body prototype for the Irish Market.
1986 Supplied first refrigerated rigid body truck to Corrib Foods.
1997 ATP Class C International approval for the transport of perishable goods.
1999 Expansion into the UK market.
2004 ADR approval for the transport of hazardous goods in a controlled environment.
2008 Extension to facility in Athenry due to increasing demand.
2009 First ambulance body produced and tested by MIRA in the UK for the health & military sectors.
2009 Manufacture of the first ambulance body to Wilkers.
2011 Michael Quinn become MD of the company following on from previous generations.
2013 Investment in New Machinery for the Facility.