Based in Birr, Co Offaly, and led by managing director Mark Clendennen, Applied Concepts design and manufacture PTO-driven air compressors, portable sandblasters and blasting equipment.
With the rise in popularity of umbilical slurry systems, Mark spotted an opening in the market for a three-point linkage, PTO-driven air compressor that agricultural contractors could easily transport from farm to farm for blowing out slurry hoses.
Since its launch, the Varimount 350 PTO compressor has been a hugely successful product for the firm, which now accounts for a large proportion of the company’s annual turnover.
From a young builder to innovator
Mark explained how his lifelong interest in building machines evolved into running a successful manufacturing business. His story is about turning a practical knack for making equipment into a thriving company.
His love for creating started young. By the age of 12, he had already built his own engine-driven go-kart. Over time, that go-kart project turned into a small venture where he sold plans and parts to others. It was clear he had a talent for both building and a bit of business even back then.
Mark followed that passion to the University of Limerick, where he studied manufacturing. After graduating, he joined Enterprise Ireland’s graduate programme and spent some time in London helping Irish companies enter the UK market.
After completing that stint abroad, Mark returned to Ireland in 2009 with a clear goal in mind – to start his own business.
He explained that, through extensive market research, he identified a gap for high-quality sandblasting machines, a niche he was eager to fill.
The birth of Applied Concepts
Through careful market research, Mark spotted an opening for high-quality sandblasting machines.
That insight led to the founding of Applied Concepts. But the story didn’t stop with sandblasting.
As he developed these machines, he discovered that many in the agricultural sector needed a cost-effective way to power them.
Farmers and contractors couldn’t always justify investing in portable diesel air compressors.
He said that this challenge led to the birth of the Varimount 350 PTO-driven air compressor, a tractor-powered solution which he says proved to be a game-changer.
Sand blasting also makes up a large percentage of the company's turnover.
As the business grew, a conversation with a contractor in the umbilical slurry sector revealed another use for the Varimount compressor; it turned out to be ideal for blowing out the layflat hose, opening a new market. Mark said his aim was simple: to create reliable, robust equipment that could handle tough tasks without fuss.
About Applied Concepts
Today, Applied Concepts is a well-established Irish manufacturing business with a strong reputation for building practical equipment for demanding environments. Based in Birr, the company designs and manufactures all of its products in-house, with a focus on durability and quality.
While the business originally grew out of the surface preparation sector, agriculture has become a major pillar of the company.
Mark explained that approximately 50% of Applied Concepts’ turnover now comes from the agricultural and related contracting sectors, reflecting the strong uptake of its PTO-driven air compressor solutions among agricultural contractors and farmers.
Products and building in house
Applied Concepts offers a focused but comprehensive product range. This includes a full line of sandblasting machines, blasting media and accessories, alongside its flagship Varimount 350 PTO air compressor and associated equipment.
Mark emphasised that each product it builds has been developed with end users in mind, based on direct feedback from customers working in agriculture, construction, maintenance and specialist contracting.
Applied Concepts has invested heavily in in-house capability, with plasma cutting, press braking, rolling, welding, blasting and powder coating all carried out on site.
All Applied Concepts’ products are designed and manufactured at the company’s facilities in Birr. Mark explained that the business has invested heavily in in-house capability, with plasma cutting, press braking, rolling, welding, blasting and powder coating all carried out on site. He says this level of control allows the team to maintain consistently high standards and to respond quickly to customer requirements.
All products are blasted before receiving a zinc-rich primer, followed by a high-quality powder-coated finish. This approach is designed to stand up to harsh working conditions, particularly in agricultural and outdoor environments.
Mark has focused on lean manufacturing principles and, for over a year now, has been running lean factory tours. These allow visitors to see firsthand how the products are made and how continuous improvement is applied across the operation.
Markets, exports and employees
While Ireland remains a core market, Applied Concepts has a growing international footprint. The company exports to a number of countries across Europe and further afield, with export markets now accounting for 60% of overall production.
Demand for PTO-driven compressor solutions in particular has helped open doors in overseas agricultural and specialist contracting markets. The top three export markets include the UK, France and the Netherlands.
The business currently employs a highly skilled team of 24 people across design, manufacturing, assembly and support functions. Like many manufacturers, Mark said that attracting skilled team members is a challenge, particularly in the current labour market. Therefore, a considerable focus is placed on team culture, skill development and long-term staff retention.
Applied Concepts employs 24 people across design, manufacturing, assembly and support functions.
Mark noted that rising raw material and input costs remain one of the biggest challenges facing the business. Volatility in steel and component pricing continues to put pressure on manufacturers across the sector.
That said, Mark sees significant opportunity ahead. Increasing demand for efficient, tractor-powered solutions, continued growth in export markets and a strong appetite for well-built Irish machinery all point to a positive outlook.
Looking ahead
Looking to the next 10 years, Applied Concepts has clear ambitions. Plans include the development of a purpose-built manufacturing plant and further automation of selected processes to support growth while maintaining quality. He said that innovation remains central to the company’s approach, with ongoing product development driven by customer feedback and real-world use.
For Mark and his team, the focus remains firmly on building practical, reliable equipment, designed and made in Ireland, that does exactly what it’s meant to do.
Business: Applied Concepts.Established: 2010.Managing director: Mark Clendennen.Export markets: 12.Employees: 24.Location: Birr, Co Offaly.
Based in Birr, Co Offaly, and led by managing director Mark Clendennen, Applied Concepts design and manufacture PTO-driven air compressors, portable sandblasters and blasting equipment.
With the rise in popularity of umbilical slurry systems, Mark spotted an opening in the market for a three-point linkage, PTO-driven air compressor that agricultural contractors could easily transport from farm to farm for blowing out slurry hoses.
Since its launch, the Varimount 350 PTO compressor has been a hugely successful product for the firm, which now accounts for a large proportion of the company’s annual turnover.
From a young builder to innovator
Mark explained how his lifelong interest in building machines evolved into running a successful manufacturing business. His story is about turning a practical knack for making equipment into a thriving company.
His love for creating started young. By the age of 12, he had already built his own engine-driven go-kart. Over time, that go-kart project turned into a small venture where he sold plans and parts to others. It was clear he had a talent for both building and a bit of business even back then.
Mark followed that passion to the University of Limerick, where he studied manufacturing. After graduating, he joined Enterprise Ireland’s graduate programme and spent some time in London helping Irish companies enter the UK market.
After completing that stint abroad, Mark returned to Ireland in 2009 with a clear goal in mind – to start his own business.
He explained that, through extensive market research, he identified a gap for high-quality sandblasting machines, a niche he was eager to fill.
The birth of Applied Concepts
Through careful market research, Mark spotted an opening for high-quality sandblasting machines.
That insight led to the founding of Applied Concepts. But the story didn’t stop with sandblasting.
As he developed these machines, he discovered that many in the agricultural sector needed a cost-effective way to power them.
Farmers and contractors couldn’t always justify investing in portable diesel air compressors.
He said that this challenge led to the birth of the Varimount 350 PTO-driven air compressor, a tractor-powered solution which he says proved to be a game-changer.
Sand blasting also makes up a large percentage of the company's turnover.
As the business grew, a conversation with a contractor in the umbilical slurry sector revealed another use for the Varimount compressor; it turned out to be ideal for blowing out the layflat hose, opening a new market. Mark said his aim was simple: to create reliable, robust equipment that could handle tough tasks without fuss.
About Applied Concepts
Today, Applied Concepts is a well-established Irish manufacturing business with a strong reputation for building practical equipment for demanding environments. Based in Birr, the company designs and manufactures all of its products in-house, with a focus on durability and quality.
While the business originally grew out of the surface preparation sector, agriculture has become a major pillar of the company.
Mark explained that approximately 50% of Applied Concepts’ turnover now comes from the agricultural and related contracting sectors, reflecting the strong uptake of its PTO-driven air compressor solutions among agricultural contractors and farmers.
Products and building in house
Applied Concepts offers a focused but comprehensive product range. This includes a full line of sandblasting machines, blasting media and accessories, alongside its flagship Varimount 350 PTO air compressor and associated equipment.
Mark emphasised that each product it builds has been developed with end users in mind, based on direct feedback from customers working in agriculture, construction, maintenance and specialist contracting.
Applied Concepts has invested heavily in in-house capability, with plasma cutting, press braking, rolling, welding, blasting and powder coating all carried out on site.
All Applied Concepts’ products are designed and manufactured at the company’s facilities in Birr. Mark explained that the business has invested heavily in in-house capability, with plasma cutting, press braking, rolling, welding, blasting and powder coating all carried out on site. He says this level of control allows the team to maintain consistently high standards and to respond quickly to customer requirements.
All products are blasted before receiving a zinc-rich primer, followed by a high-quality powder-coated finish. This approach is designed to stand up to harsh working conditions, particularly in agricultural and outdoor environments.
Mark has focused on lean manufacturing principles and, for over a year now, has been running lean factory tours. These allow visitors to see firsthand how the products are made and how continuous improvement is applied across the operation.
Markets, exports and employees
While Ireland remains a core market, Applied Concepts has a growing international footprint. The company exports to a number of countries across Europe and further afield, with export markets now accounting for 60% of overall production.
Demand for PTO-driven compressor solutions in particular has helped open doors in overseas agricultural and specialist contracting markets. The top three export markets include the UK, France and the Netherlands.
The business currently employs a highly skilled team of 24 people across design, manufacturing, assembly and support functions. Like many manufacturers, Mark said that attracting skilled team members is a challenge, particularly in the current labour market. Therefore, a considerable focus is placed on team culture, skill development and long-term staff retention.
Applied Concepts employs 24 people across design, manufacturing, assembly and support functions.
Mark noted that rising raw material and input costs remain one of the biggest challenges facing the business. Volatility in steel and component pricing continues to put pressure on manufacturers across the sector.
That said, Mark sees significant opportunity ahead. Increasing demand for efficient, tractor-powered solutions, continued growth in export markets and a strong appetite for well-built Irish machinery all point to a positive outlook.
Looking ahead
Looking to the next 10 years, Applied Concepts has clear ambitions. Plans include the development of a purpose-built manufacturing plant and further automation of selected processes to support growth while maintaining quality. He said that innovation remains central to the company’s approach, with ongoing product development driven by customer feedback and real-world use.
For Mark and his team, the focus remains firmly on building practical, reliable equipment, designed and made in Ireland, that does exactly what it’s meant to do.
Business: Applied Concepts.Established: 2010.Managing director: Mark Clendennen.Export markets: 12.Employees: 24.Location: Birr, Co Offaly. 
SHARING OPTIONS