Donlouco Ireland Ltd - Est. 2006
Our Journey
so far
From a Shanghai engineering assignment to Ireland's precision-parts leader - a journey shaped by technical expertise, long-term partnerships, and uncompromising quality.
20
Years in Operation
200+
Containers Delivered
ISO
9001 Certified
EN
1090 Approved
Explore Our Journey
2001
The Beginning
The Shanghai Chapter - Where It All Began
A Company Founded on Vast Engineering & Manufacturing Expertise.
Donlouco Ireland Ltd is owned and run by Donal Murphy and Louise Zhou, a husband-and-wife team, both engineers. The origins date back to 2001, when Donal was posted to Shanghai as manufacturing engineering manager for an American multinational. Over two years, he built a new 160,000-square-foot facility and developed deep expertise in China's business culture, supply chains, and manufacturing capabilities - experience that became the foundation for Donlouco and remains at the core of everything we do today.
Company Timeline 2006 – 2026
2006
2006
Incorporated in Ireland — Donlouco Founded.
The birth of Donlouco in Cork, Ireland...
Donlouco was incorporated in Ireland in 2006 with a mission to help smaller and medium-size enterprises access China's manufacturing capacity. The company name reflects its founders: Donal & Louise company, now abbreviated to the DLC brand. At a time when over 240,000 Europeans lived full-time in China working for global brands, medium and smaller businesses struggled to access these services effectively. Donlouco provides this access through trusted supply chain expertise.
2008
2008
Strategic Partnerships Formed.
Donlouco becomes the full-time focus for Donal & Louise...
By 2008 Donlouco became the full-time passion of both Donal & Louise. Key customers were established in the utility sector, particularly for overhead power networks. Strong business relationships were forged which remain as strong today, with many long-term contracts won and retained over this 20-year period through strategic channel partnerships.
2010
2010
Key Contracts & Growing the Chinese Team.
Securing 3 to 5 year contracts in the power utility sector...
By 2010 Donlouco secured key long-term contracts of 3 to 5 years for critical parts supply to the power utility industry. During this time we established a base in China, hiring engineering and quality control staff. Training became central to our development. Many of the staff hired at this time remain with us today, and the systemized procedures established then continue to pay dividends.
2012
2012
Growth, Complex Parts & Developing Expertise.
Moving to a larger office on an 8-year lease...
In 2012, Donlouco moved to a larger office building, taking out an eight-year lease reflecting strong confidence and growth. The customer base expanded and expertise developed across the industrial and automotive sectors. A more complex part range was established, offering greater flexibility. Container shipments increased, and a warehousing and logistics hub was established in Shanghai.
2014
2014
Investment in Capabilities, Operations & Training.
A significant share of a CNC machine shop...
By 2014 the China staff base had expanded and an office location was established. Donlouco bought a significant share of a CNC machine shop to manage demand and control quality. This brought a new growth phase involving deeper operations training of management and production staff. The product range continued expanding with greater leverage on key production resources.
2016
2016
A Decade in Business & EMS Platform Launch.
Ten years in business — EMS developed...
2016 marked a decade in business and continued growth for Donlouco. We developed the EMS (Enterprise Management System) software, a cloud-based management platform running on Oracle that operates in real time across China and Europe. The system manages all aspects of operations including primary part data, drawings, quality control, logistics, and offers full traceability.
2018
2018
ISO Accreditation & EN 1090 Approved.
ISO accreditation along with EN1090...
Between 2016 and 2018 Donlouco secured ISO accreditation along with EN1090 for CE marking of parts. During this time, hydraulic cylinder parts became a key sector—many parts are forged with secondary CNC machining including cylinder ends, rod ends, and CNC machined components like pistons, gland nuts, and valve blocks.
2020
2020
Global Pandemic — Donlouco Offers Assistance.
Using expertise to protect the community...
When the global pandemic struck in March 2020, Donlouco leveraged its supply chain expertise to source and import high-quality PPE. We supplied critical goods to local and national nursing homes, dentists, GPs and various organizations—the majority donated—helping protect our community during an uncertain time.
2021
2021
100th Container of Parts.
A landmark moment at the Port of Cork...
December 2021 saw our 100th container arrive at the Port of Cork, marking fifteen years of consistent growth and supply chain excellence. This milestone reflects the dedication of our teams in Ireland and China who have built a world-class operation through systematic processes and unwavering commitment to quality.
2026
2026
Celebrating 20 Years.
Strengthening our expertise, capability, and service offering...
In our 20th year of operation, Donlouco is firmly established across several key industries and continues to expand. Our teams in Ireland and China are growing at a steady pace, continually strengthening our expertise, capability, and service offering. We have now surpassed 200 containers and are on track to import 100 per year - a clear testament to the relationships, systems, and expertise built over two decades of commitment to quality and customer service.