Celebrating Innovation and Excellence

Projects in our Excellence Showcase highlight Tirlán’s culture of operational excellence

Our fourth annual Excellence Showcase was held in the Abbey Quarter Collaborative Hub, featuring 24 finalist projects across seven award categories. The event, hosted by the Operations and Supply Chain Excellence Team and the Irish Centre of Business Excellence, allowed finalists to present their projects and engage with attendees. Each project represents a commitment to continuous improvement and innovation within Tirlán.

This year’s event was program managed by Ciarán Heffernan from the Business Excellence Team. Ciarán had this to say at the event: “We received close to 90 submissions for this year and a careful scoring process selected the 24 finalists you see here today. It’s never easy – there are always outstanding projects that don’t make the final cut but are equally exceptional. So, I want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who submitted a project this year – shortlisted or not. Without your effort and innovation, none of this would be possible.”

Event Highlights

Michael Phelan, Head of Operations & Supply Chain Excellence, captured the spirit of the day. “The vision for the showcase is to help bring to life the expectation that continuous improvement isn’t extra to the day job. It is the day job… My hope is that you are inspired by the people, projects and engagement here today. And just a little more curious. No matter what your role as to how you can play a more active part in the year ahead.”

An additional feature this year was the Customer and Product Showcase which brought to life stories of customer impact and innovation. The culinary offerings went down a treat by all those in attendance.

Members of the Council were also invited this year. On entry, Business Excellence Manager Will O’Carroll welcomed members of the Board and Council, set out the context of the day and highlighted the involvement of the milk and grain quality award winners as well as emphasizing the impact of the projects on the competitiveness of the Co-Op.

Recognition and Awards

The showcase featured a rigorous judging process to select the seven category winners, while attendees participated in real-time voting for the three People’s Choice Awards via QR code.

Category Winners

  • Academy & Best Use of Lean Tools: Optimisation of Mixing Process – Nahir Hurtado, Anna Zuziak-Janoszek, Matt Roche, Suraj Aithal Kota and Ciaran Mooney
  • COVI: HVO Power Generation – Martin Gorman, Saleem Mustafa, Conor Donohue and Pat Bolger
  • Problem Solving: Rennet Casein Moisture Improvement – Pádraig McDonald, Nithin Santosh, Aonghus Barry, Paul Hickey, Richard Boland and Rennet Casein Plant Operators
  • Customer Impact: Transforming Science to Value – Mahsa Naghshineh, Aoife Joyce, Keith Cooney, Kate Lennon, Caoimhe O’Mahony, Katriona Walsh, Leanne Dunne, Patrick O’Mara, Grace Harris, Rebecca Barron and Emily Mulhall
  • Strategy: Milk Solids Programme – Brian Harte, Philip McCabe, Paddy Dempsey, Paul Duggan & Lisa Dunphy
  • Data-Driven: SAC Powered Warehouse Visibility – Alan Costigan, Billy Brennan, Catherine Cuddihy & Pat Murray
  • Sustainability: Farming for Water European Innovation Partnership – Thomas Ryan, Michael Hassett, Matthew Moylan, Hugh Harney, Sean Martyn, Eoin Cahill, Sarah O’Sullivan, Conor Kelly & Ciara Doyle

People’s Choice Awards

  • Most Impactful: Belview Yogurt Functionality – Seamus Maher, Eamonn Power, Tom Ryan, Liam O’Brien, Mustafa Ghulam, Ciarán Heffernan, Roisin O’Sullivan, Alicia Delahunty, Paul James and Ronan Sills
  • Most Collaborative: Lough Egish Direct to Trailor – Eoin Murphy, Connie Murphy, Brendan Carbin, Trevor Jordan, Sean O’Brien, Lisa Stewart, Brendan Quinn & Brian Costigan
  • Most Inspiring: Project Unmasked – Aoife Harte, Padraig McDonald, Eoghan Brophy & Catriona Twomey

Leadership Reflections

CEO Seán Molloy expressed pride in the achievements on display and the unique culture at Tirlán. “There is a unique culture here – a unique drive and ambition to be the best co-op in the world. The quality of the people, the energy, the enthusiasm, the drive, the ambition – it’s inspiring. I hope everyone leaves today with a deeper understanding of the complexity of our business and the calibre of our people.”

Chairman John Murphy echoed these sentiments, highlighting the company’s ambition and the importance of sharing its story: “The quality of the people, the quality of the products, the quality of our offering – it’s amazing. We need to get better at selling ourselves and sharing the incredible work happening across the business.”

 

Looking Ahead

The Excellence Showcase was a display of the innovation and teamwork that are thriving at Tirlán. With fresh ideas, growing capabilities, and a culture of continuous improvement, we’re ready to achieve even more together in the year ahead. Thank you to everyone involved in making the day a massive success.