In pictures: Ballyshannon's Seamless Aluminium Group marks 50th anniversary in style

Seamless Aluminium Group celebrated an extraordinary milestone - 50 years in business - with a night of reflection, recognition, and revelry at The Great Northern Hotel in Bundoran. Please click on the arrows to go through the gallery

What began in 1975 as a small, family-run venture in Cavangarden, Ballyshannon, has evolved into a leading manufacturer of aluminium rainwater systems for commercial and domestic use across Ireland and the UK.

Seamless Aluminium Group today includes Seamless Aluminium Ltd (Ballyshannon) and Seamless Aluminium International Ltd (Solihull, Birmingham), and stands as a testament to half a century of innovation, perseverance, and passion. They manufacture Seamless Aluminium Gutters and accessories, Heavy Duty Gutters and accessories, downpipes, Fascia & Soffit Systems, Standing Seam Cladding, Cappings, Flashings, Trims, Aluminium Sills and an array of bespoke products to complement their existing systems.

As well as specialising in bespoke production, they are a distributor of the American company Van Mark, who supply portable bending brakes, saw tables, slitters and gutter hood roll forming tools for the construction trades as well as KWM Gutter machines. They also have their own onsite aluminium coil slitting facility and powder coating plant and operate from a 60,000 sq ft manufacturing plant.

The company’s journey began with founder Donal Kelly, who - alongside his parents Brigid and Dinny Kelly - started out in the concrete business before discovering a novel idea in the United States: seamless aluminium gutters. Spotting an opportunity, Donal returned to Ireland with samples and struck a pivotal partnership with Herb Englert of Englert Inc. in New Jersey, planting the seed for what would become Seamless Aluminium Group.

Donal’s determination built the company from the ground up—taking orders by day, delivering by night. The 1980s saw expansion to the UK with the establishment of Seamless Aluminium International in Birmingham. Decades of investment followed, including a state-of-the-art powder coating plant and a recent upgrade in 2024 that has positioned the company at the forefront of the industry.

Now jointly led by Donal and his daughter, Managing Director Sarah Kelly along with her Husband Kevin Rooney, the company employs over 40 skilled professionals and proudly distributes across Ireland and the UK. Seamless Aluminium Group recently earned triple ISO certification in Quality Management, Environmental Responsibility, and Health and Safety—affirming its commitment to excellence in every facet of the business.

Donal’s wife Anne stays involved in the running of the business, along with his son Denis, who is on the delivery team as well as his daughter Katie, who has recently become the company’s internal ISO Auditor.

Saturday night’s event was a heartfelt tribute to the people who made it all possible. The evening featured a delicious three-course meal, a nostalgic “Reeling in the Years” video created by Niall Mc Kee Imagery, and an awards ceremony recognising outstanding staff contributions. Entertainment included a mesmerising performance by magician Conor Breen, a fun 360 spinner experience by Walled City Entertainment, and lively music by Keltic Khaos.

The celebration brought together staff, suppliers, and long-standing friends in a joyful recognition of how far the company has come - and a shared excitement for the road ahead. Saturday night was the first of the celebrations to kick off in honour of the 50 year anniversary, including a new website which will be launched this week.

From humble beginnings to market leadership, Seamless Aluminium Group’s story is one of vision, dedication, and family. As they look to the future, the values that sparked the journey in 1975 remain firmly in place: hard work, innovation, and a belief in doing things the right way. Here’s to the next 50 years.