The Beginning
Now in it's fourth generation, Bennett was originally established in 1917 in Milltownpass, Co Westmeath, Ireland by Christopher Bennett.
The company carried out small building works and had a joinery workshop and a general store. The store was typical of many at the time and sold anything from wellington boots, hardware to Bennett's own packaged tea.
All joinery work took place in the yard located behind the store. Back in those days, there was no such thing as power tools therefore all planing and moulding were carried out by hand.
1920's - 1950's
Work completed during this time was quite varied. It ranged from one off gentry housing, extensions, renovations, farm buildings etc.
Some of the projects completed in this era included, Mullingar Telephone Exchange, Mullingar Creamery, Garda Barracks in Moate, and Broadford National School.
In 1945, Bennett purchased their first lorry. A Dodge – it had been mothballed due to the fact that there was no petrol because of wartime rationing.
1960's - 1980's
The projects dating from the early 60's to the 1980's gradually increased in size.
Building works carried out were mainly for local authorities such as school buildings, offices and housing schemes whilst also completing other various types of projects for private clients.
Bennett first used a tower crane on the ESB Headquarters in Portlaoise in 1970, and they first used precast structural and architectural elements in 1979 for the County Council Headquarters Building in Portlaoise.
1990's - 2000's
They moved more into commercial work from the 1990s on with a strong focus on the Dublin market.
In the 2000's the company continued to evolve and delivered some major construction projects and a number of projects using the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model.
Notable projects during this period included Ballymun Regeneration, Dublin ~ Guild House, Dublin ~ Dept of Agriculture Backweston ~ Riverside IV, Dublin ~ Aryzta HQ Building, Dublin ~ Office of Public Works HQ Building, Trim ~ Letterkenny Council Offices.
2010's - 2020's
In 2010, the first project in London was completed, and Bennett has established itself to be a major player in the London market.
Notable projects would include Leman Locke ~ 111 Cannon Street ~ Hounslow Place ~ Battersea Exchange ~ Greenwich Millennium Village and 57 East.
Bennett also entered the German market and completed a number of projects during this period which included Primark Frankfurt ~ Primark Cologne and Primark Braunschweig.
In Ireland, Bennett continue to grow, and their proud history continues to be built upon. Notable recent projects would include Binary Hub Student Accommodation ~ NEAB for the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland ~ Primark International Head Quarter Building, Dublin ~ Airbnb HQ Building, Dublin ~ New Headquarters Building for Grant Thornton, and The Exo Building in Dublin.
