Co Armagh Firm Exports Dumper Truck

Invest Northern Ireland has helped a County Armagh company to enter new markets and generate £480,000 of export sales after launching a new product, which is the first of its kind to be manufactured in Northern Ireland.

Based in Hamiltonsbawn, NC Engineering produces a wide range of machinery for the agricultural and construction industries. Products include dump trailers for tractors, road sweepers, slurry tankers, and more recently dumper trucks.

Invest NI has provided research and development (R&D) support for an innovative dumper truck. The new truck was launched at a trade show in the UK last year, before being presented to the Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland markets at the Balmoral Show and the Irish Ploughing Championships. 30 units have already been sold in the first six months of this year.

In addition to the help with R&D and new marketing activities, the company has taken advantage of new information technology and e-business investments, as well as extending its manufacturing facilities, all of which has been supported by Invest NI.

Invest NI’s Director of Engineering and Business Services, Brian Dolaghan, said: “NC Engineering’s competitiveness and profitability has been enhanced with Invest NI support. It has taken an innovative approach to the development of new products, and this has led to the popularity of these products in various export markets.

“The focus on innovation will continue to enhance the company’s export capability,” added Mr Dolaghan.

Norman Nicholl, Joint Managing Director of NC Engineering, commented: “Having provided valuable support with the development of the new dumper truck, Invest NI assistance was essential in taking the product to market. Since we were established in 1976 our commitment to innovation has ensured that NC Engineering has remained in a strong position to deliver new products to our customers."

(JM/SP)