Company History: BONNER
Early Years (1978-1989):
BONNER was founded in mid 1978 in Dublin, Ireland, initially specialising in instrumentation sales and services for the dairy industry. The company quickly gained traction, providing a range of products and services including electrical and pneumatic control panels, temperature and flow measurement equipment installation, and maintenance. BONNER acquired Dairygold as a major client which solidified the company’s position in the market.
1980s:
The 1980s marked a period of significant expansion for BONNER. The company diversified its client base to include the dairy, food, and chemical industries, serving clients such as Kerry and Olin Chemicals (later Lonza). We also developed expertise in providing concrete batching systems, completing over 60 installations for clients like Roadstone and CRH. This period saw the establishment of the company’s first office location in Dublin, with housing office, warehouse, and workshop facilities.
1990s:
In response to the growing demand for calibration services driven by the pharmaceutical industry’s increasing quality requirements, BONNER expanded into calibration services. Major contracts with industry giants like Pfizer (later Amgen) and Wyeth Medica (later Pfizer) propelled the company’s growth. Customised calibration certificates and loop checking documentation were developed to meet clients’ evolving needs. The company relocated to its current headquarters in Ballymount, enabling further expansion and the addition of an Instrument Calibration Laboratory. It also obtained ISO9001 certification in 1994, underscoring its commitment to quality.
2000s:
The 2000s saw BONNER embrace automation technology, employing and training automation engineers to develop PLC-based systems. Custom code and systems were developed for process flow and batching control, along with advanced SCADA systems tailored for the food industry. The company continued to expand its product offerings, adding reputable brands like Huba Control, Ohaus, and KIMO Instruments to its portfolio.
2010s:
Innovation remained at the forefront as BONNER became the first company in Ireland to install a computerised calibration management system, streamlining calibration records and certificate generation. A custom file-sharing portal was developed to securely provide clients with access to documentation. A remote office in Cork was established to better serve clients in Munster, while new partnerships were forged with brands like SIKA, Delta Ohm (now Senseca), and Epic Sensor. The company’s automation capabilities were further bolstered through a partnership with B&R Industrial Automation.
2020s:
The 2020s ushered in new milestones for Industrial Instrumentation Specialist, including becoming ABB‘s sole value provider for Industrial Automation in Ireland. The company continued to expand its product offering by adding globally recognised brands such as MAC Valves, Tosibox, and ViewAR. As part of a consortium led by ABB, BONNER played a pivotal role in delivering Digital Manufacturing Ireland (DMI), showcasing Industry 4.0 solutions to the Irish manufacturing sector. The company’s responsibilities encompassed the digital layer, including PLC, SCADA, MES, and integration with ERP and cloud systems, demonstrating its leadership in the evolving landscape of industrial automation.
