Tyrone Firm Scoops Indian Contracts

An engineering firm in Co Tyrone has won its first business in India from its participation in a recent Invest Northern Ireland trade mission to this important global marketplace.

McQuaid Engineering Ltd in Dungannon has recently supplied its specialised rock breaker boom system to a major global corporation in New Delhi for use in quarrying operations.

McQuaid designs, manufactures and supplies a broad range of hydraulic attachments for the mining, crushing, construction, demolition, rail and recycling industries worldwide. Their range of rock breaker booms is designed to fit all types of static and mobile crushers for the purpose of breaking oversize material that becomes blocked.

The company also manufactures a range of excavator and crane-mounted attachments.

McQuaid was assisted by marketing experts at Invest NI’s office in Mumbai in identifying the new business opportunity and in lining up a meeting with the customer’s top management team.

Dr Vicky Kell, Invest NI Trade Director, said: "The huge expenditure by the Indian government to improve its physical infrastructure especially roads, power generation, electricity supply, railways, airports and ports, offers substantial opportunities to engineering businesses in Northern Ireland.

"Recent statements by the Indian government, for instance, have indicated that the country needs to invest around $1 trillion, from both public and private sources, to improve its infrastructure over the next seven years. This presents immense opportunities for companies in one of our most successful and internationally focused sectors, crushing and materials handling."

She continued: "Over the past five years, we've focused on encouraging and assisting companies, such as McQuaid, in this strategically important engineering sector to pursue business throughout this huge and dynamic nation, which is projecting growth of around eight per cent this year.

"Our team in Mumbai is working closely with McQuaid and other companies on activities that will help them to build a strong base in India."

Paul McQuaid, McQuaid Managing Director, said: "Our India venture has proven successful in establishing business with one of the world’s leading crusher original equipment manufacturers, (OEM). This first deal gives us a good foothold for future business not only in India but worldwide.

"The advice and guidance we received from the Invest NI team were immensely important. We couldn't have managed the business breakthrough as quickly as we did without them. Trade missions are also a great way to explore opportunities in a new market."

(NS/GK)