Donlouco Ireland Ltd — Est. 2006
Our Journey
so far
From a posting in Shanghai to Ireland's leading precision parts partner — a history built on engineering expertise, trusted relationships, and relentless quality.
20
Years in Operation
200+
Containers Delivered
ISO
9001 Certified
EN
1090 Approved
2001
The Beginning
The Shanghai Chapter — Where It All Began
A Company Built on 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 of the company go back to 2001, when Donal worked as Manufacturing Engineering Manager for an American multinational with sites across Europe, the US, and Ireland. In late 2001, Donal was posted to Shanghai to develop a local team and bring up a new 160,000 sq ft manufacturing facility — the flagship site of the global operation. Over two years, invaluable experience was gained: understanding Chinese business culture, supply chain dynamics, and how to get things done effectively. Lessons were also learned about the risks — from corruption to embezzlement — all of which inform Donlouco's trusted, transparent approach to this day.
Company Timeline 2006 – 2026
2006
Incorporated in Ireland — Donlouco Founded.
The birth of Donlouco in Cork, Ireland...
Donlouco was incorporated in Ireland in 2006. The company name meaning Donal & Louise company is now abbreviated to DLC brand. The business concept was to develop a trusted supply chain company that could access the manufacturing capacity and capability of what was on offer in China. To help the smaller and medium size enterprises to grow and compete in a global market. In 2002 there was over 240 thousand Europeans living full time in China, working for European companies, many of them German companies working for global brands we all know and love all over the world. But medium and smaller businesses struggled to access these services effectively which by and large remains the case to this day. Donlouco provides this access.
2006
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, and some key customers were established at this time. Some initial in roads were developed into the utility sector and in particular for overhead power networks. Some strong business relationships were forged which remain as strong as ever to this day. These relationships have flourished with strategy channel partners in this business sector. Many long-term contracts have been won over the years and even more have been retained over this 20-year period.
2008
2010
Key Contracts & Growing the Chinese Team.
Securing 3 to 5 year contracts in the power utility sector...
By 2010 Donlouco had secured some key long-term contracts of between 3 to 5 years for the supply of critical parts to the power utility industry and during this time we began to establish a base in China. Hiring engineering and quality control staff. Training became a huge part of our development during this time. Many of the engineering and quality control staff hired at this time remain with us to this day and the training and systemised procedures of day-to-day running have paid off hugely over time.
2010
2012
Growth, Complex Parts & Developing Expertise.
Moving to a larger office on an 8-year lease...
In 2012 Donlouco had moved its office to a larger office building taking out a long-term lease for eight years such was the confidence and growth levels at this time. The customer base expanded during this period. Donlouco became more diverse in the range of parts offered. Expertise was developed in industrial and automotive space. A more complex part range was developed offering greater flexibility to customers. The overall volume increased and container shipments increased. Warehousing and logistic hub was established in Shanghai China.
2012
2014
Investment in Capabilities, Operations & Training.
A significant share of a CNC machine shop...
By 2014 the staff base in China had expanded and an office location was established. Donlouco also bought a significant share of a CNC machine shop to manage demand and control quality. This brought a new phase of growth for Donlouco China, involving operations and more in-depth training of management and production staff. The product range continued to expand, and greater leverage was achieved on key production resources and subcontractors.
2014
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. Donlouco developed the EMS (Enterprise Management System) software, a management platform running on Oracle. The system is cloud based and operates in real time in China and Europe. Manages all aspects of the Donlouco operation containing primary part data, drawings, quality control data, logistics and offers full traceability.
2016
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, Donlouco increased the volume of hydraulic cylinder parts which has become a key sector for Donlouco. Many parts are forged with secondary CNC machining, cylinder ends, rod ends, but also CNC machined parts from solid like pistons and gland nuts including valve blocks.
2018
2020
Global Pandemic — Donlouco Offers Assistance.
Using expertise to protect the community...
In 2020 Donlouco, like all other companies, is stopped in its tracks because of the global pandemic. As the global pandemic took stronghold of the world in March of 2020, Donlouco like every other business found themselves in a difficult position, not knowing what the next few years would bring and how best to navigate this uncertainty.
Using our supply chain expertise, Donlouco was able to source and import high-quality PPE. We supplied these critical goods to local and national nursing homes, dentists, GPs and various other organisations — the majority donated.
2020
2021
100th Container of Parts.
A landmark moment at the Port of Cork...
December 2021 saw Donlouco celebrate a landmark achievement: the arrival of our 100th container of parts in the Port of Cork. This milestone marked fifteen years of consistent growth and the strength of our supply chain operations. The achievement reflects the dedication of our teams in Ireland and China who have worked tirelessly to build a world-class operation.
2021
2026
Celebrating 20 Years & 200 Containers.
Two landmark achievements in a single year...
In our 20th year of operation, Donlouco reaches two landmark achievements simultaneously: two decades of trusted partnership with manufacturers across Ireland, the UK and Europe — and the milestone of our 200th container of precision parts arriving in the Port of Cork. A testament to the relationships, expertise, and systems built over two decades of commitment to quality.
2026