NI firm wins new business in Saudi Arabia and the UAE

Terex Finlay, the Omagh-based manufacturer of mobile washing, screening and recycling equipment, won orders worth more than £1 million during last week’s trade mission to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The Tyrone company was part of the Invest Northern Ireland client group on the Enterprise Ireland trade mission to the Gulf region, led by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.

The company secured orders for 11 sand washing machines from customers in Saudi and the UAE. The machinery will be used in the construction and infrastructure sectors.

Martin Digby, Terex Finlay’s Regional Sales Manager, commenting on the new business, today said: “We joined the trade mission to consolidate and develop our established and successful market presence in the region which stretches back over 20 years.

“The new orders will help us to achieve this goal. It’s a market that, in my opinion, is growing faster than ever before. Our relationship with a local machinery dealership, combined with the quality and functionality of our machinery has helped us to become widely recognised in these immensely important markets.

He continued: “We expect to see further growth from proposed legislation which will require improved sand quality for the construction industry, one of the most dynamic sectors throughout the Gulf region. There’s huge investment in construction and infrastructure and this will present tremendous opportunities for us in both the short and long term.”

Tracy Meharg, Invest NI’s Managing Director of Innovation and Capability Development led the Invest NI delegation on the mission, ,she said : “Terex Finlay’s achievements in the Gulf show that engineering companies can compete successfully and profitably in these highly competitive markets."

Terex Finlay was among 16 Northern Ireland companies who took part in the Enterprise Ireland trade mission to Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The Northern Ireland delegation also visited Qatar to explore business opportunities.

In addition to the companies which participated on the mission, the University of Ulster was also represented by the Director of its International Office. The university is seeking to develop relations with similar institutions in areas such as research and student exchanges.

(EF)