NI Digs-Up Business Boost In Kurdistan

A Co Tyrone firm is undertaking a quarrying equipment contract in far-away Kurdistan.

The NI Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has congratulated Cookstown-based Anaconda Equipment International for securing a £100,000 contract.

Anaconda specialises in the design and manufacture of mobile screening equipment as well as a wide range of wheeled, tracked and static conveying solutions for the mining, quarry and waste recycling industries.

Anaconda specialises in the design and manufacture of mobile screening equipment as well as a wide range of wheeled, tracked and static conveying solutions for the mining, quarry and waste recycling industries.

Making the announcement at the company's plant in Ardboe, the Minister said: "This is an important breakthrough for Anaconda in a market with immense potential, especially for companies focused on infrastructure projects.

"Earlier this year, I met with leaders of the Kurdistan Regional Authority in Belfast, to discuss trade opportunities and encourage business relationships with Northern Ireland.

"I made a strong case for the authority to consider the expertise of Northern Ireland companies in key sectors such as construction, urban regeneration, IT and healthcare," she said.

The DUP Executive Minister continued: "Anaconda has been quick to pinpoint the huge opportunities in Kurdistan and to develop contacts in this rapidly developing marketplace.

"This is an innovative and progressive company which has been proactive in its global success by showing a strong commitment to excellence in services, quality and affordable products."

The Minister added: "A broad range of companies could benefit from major investment projects underway or planned in Kurdistan. Invest NI has developed good contacts with the authorities in Erbil and Sulamaniah City and has identified opportunities in construction, education, agri-food, energy, healthcare, professional services including IT as well as oil and gas."

Also commenting, Alistair Forsyth, Anaconda Managing Director, said: "This is a very exciting contract for us in a market which offers extensive opportunities for our range of machinery. Huge investment is now underway in Kurdistan's infrastructure to help in generating faster economic growth.

"While this initial contract was secured through a German contact, we expect the business to develop and to lead to other opportunities there.

"Kurdistan is now a stable region focused on extensive economic development. Invest NI missions have been immensely important for the company in terms of the experience we've gained in dynamic markets especially in the Middle East and also in enabling us to develop good business contacts.

"Invest NI also helped us to build up our knowledge of Kurdistan by arranging a briefing seminar with senior representatives from the region's government. It's a region rich in natural resources, including oil and gas, and has the funds to support its investment in infrastructure," noting that Anaconda Equipment International Ltd was formed in 2005 as Quality Fabrications Ltd but has now established its presence under the Anaconda brand.

In 2008, the company launched a range of mobile conveyors for the US market and was renamed as Anaconda Equipment International Ltd.

(BMcC/GK)