Growing up in Ballinrobe in the 1970s, the thought of a global industrial brand emerging from this quiet corner of South Mayo seemed improbable.
The town’s economy was driven by small family businesses, local bakeries, and modest trade. But over the past four decades, Ballinrobe has transformed into the beating heart of one of Ireland’s most successful export-led manufacturers — McHale. What began as a small venture by two brothers from a farming family has become a world-renowned name in agricultural machinery.
McHale’s story is deeply rooted in the values of hard work, innovation, and listening to the end user — a philosophy that has guided the company from the start. Founded by Padraic and Martin McHale in the mid-1980s, the company has grown to become a global leader in specialist farm machinery, particularly in the field of baling and wrapping grass for silage, hay, and straw.
Humble beginnings
Padraic and Martin McHale grew up in a family of 15 on a farm in Kilmaine, just outside Ballinrobe. Like many in rural Ireland at the time, they learned from an early age the importance of practical, hard-wearing machinery that could stand up to the tough West of Ireland terrain. In 1976, Padraic started a farm machinery retail outlet selling used tractors and equipment, a business Martin soon joined.
From these modest beginnings, the brothers spotted an opportunity. At the time, imported machines struggled with the long, wet grass common in the region. Realising that the local market needed more reliable solutions, they designed and built their first silage block cutter — the Silomac — in 1982, testing it over the winter on their home farm.
That same philosophy of innovation, testing, and continuous improvement became the foundation of McHale’s future success. As demand grew, the brothers established a local manufacturing base and began developing a network of dealers throughout Ireland, the UK, and even Iceland — a surprising early export market.
Rise of a global brand
By 1987, McHale had manufactured its first round bale wrapper. Two years later, they made a critical decision: to specialise in bale wrapping and grow through targeted export strategies. Martin expanded their dealer network in the UK, laying the foundation for what would become a worldwide distribution network spanning over 55 countries today.
In 1990, recognising the need for a cohesive international brand, the brothers rebranded from Silomac to McHale — a move that marked the beginning of the brand’s global identity.
Export was always central to the McHale growth strategy. Australia became a pivotal market in 1994, offering year-round production opportunities by mirroring the European off-season. It allowed McHale to optimise factory output and build relationships across continents. Over time, they expanded into Asia, South America, and Africa, with machines now operating in South Korea, Chile, Japan, New Zealand, and beyond.
World-class manufacturing in Ballinrobe
As demand for their machinery increased, so too did the need for a purpose-built facility. In 1999, McHale relocated to a 20-acre greenfield site on the outskirts of Ballinrobe, where they built a 100,000 square-foot plant. Today, that site has expanded to over 320,000 square feet, incorporating two high-tech manufacturing facilities equipped with the latest in CNC, laser, and robotic technology.
A key differentiator in McHale’s approach is their meticulous quality control. Every machine is built with complete traceability of components, tested rigorously on-site, and calibrated before shipping. More than 90% of production is exported, and McHale machines are often the first choice for contractors and farmers in diverse climates and terrains across the globe.
Innovation at the core
Research and development have always been the lifeblood of McHale. Formally established in 1994 under Padraic’s leadership, the R&D department plays a crucial role in designing, refining, and testing new machinery. Over 10% of the company’s workforce, which now stands at around 270 employees, is involved in this function, working in a dedicated on-site Innovation and Technology Centre.
McHale employs a unique development cycle: each new machine undergoes a three-year testing phase, including rigorous trials with end users in different countries and conditions. This feedback loop ensures that new products are not only innovative but also meet the practical needs of farmers and contractors.
The pinnacle of McHale’s innovation came in the early 2000s with the launch of the Fusion Integrated Baler Wrapper. Designed in response to the growing demand for single-pass baling and wrapping, the Fusion revolutionised the market. Its patented bale transfer system and vertical wrapping ring increased output by up to 15% in a more compact footprint. In 2005, the Fusion was awarded the prestigious RASE Gold Medal at the Royal Show in England — a landmark recognition of Irish engineering excellence.
Resilience and growth
In 2015, disaster struck when a fire damaged part of the Ballinrobe plant. Rather than be set back, McHale responded by expanding. Within a year, a new 18,500 sq m (nearly 200,000 sq ft ) state-of-the-art facility was operational. It marked not just a recovery, but another leap forward in capacity, automation, and sustainability.
McHale’s adaptability was also evident in their product line. Today, they manufacture a wide range of grassland equipment, including mowers, twin-rotor rakes, fixed and variable chamber balers, bale handlers, splitters, and feeding equipment. Each product is designed with input from real-world users and tailored to meet the demands of modern farming.
A lasting legacy
From a small family business in post-rural Ballinrobe to a world-class manufacturer exporting to over 55 countries, the McHale story is one of vision, grit, and innovation. It is a testament to what can be achieved when practical knowledge, engineering excellence, and a relentless focus on quality come together.
McHale is more than just a brand — it is a symbol of Irish ingenuity, proudly flying the flag for Ballinrobe and Ireland on a global stage. Once associated only with the football field, the McHale name now represents one of the finest success stories in modern agricultural engineering. And as the grass continues to grow, so too does the legacy of McHale.
