Waste Water Control opens new premises in Newry

Newry-based Waste Water Control has opened new purpose-built premises in Carnbane Business Park in Newry.

The new 6,500 sq ft complex boasts the latest in computer aided design equipment and includes offices with conference facilities and a 4,000 sq ft factory production area.

At the opening, Professor Terri Scott, Managing Director of Entrepreneurship and Enterprise at Invest NI, said the company was establishing a "strong position" in a key export market – the Republic of Ireland – by focusing on excellence in products and services for the water treatment industry.

Speaking at the official opening of the company’s new offices and factory, Prof Scott said recent orders worth over £2 million for sewage treatment equipment in Co Longford and Co Offaly, Peel pumping station in the Isle of Man and a leachate treatment scheme in Co Donegal had strengthened the company’s export business.

Prof Scott said: “This is an ambitious and enterprising company which has developed a strong focus on sales and contacts in the Republic of Ireland and currently draws around 50% of its business from this marketplace.

“Waste Water Control has identified and moved swiftly to exploit successfully a substantial business opportunity arising from more stringent EU legislation on water quality standards which is resulting in the ongoing replacement of out-dated and inefficient treatment systems.”

The company, she said, had also sharpened its competitive edge and overall marketing approach by conducting a detailed analysis of its business through the Invest NI Competitive Excellence Process and planning for growth.

Prof Scott said Invest Northern Ireland’s focus was on supporting companies in bringing business ideas to fruition.

Kieran Madine, Waste Water Control’s Joint Managing Director, said: “The new premises provide us with a platform for further growth in environmental equipment and services, an industry which is buoyant because of the rapidly developing global focus on measures to counter pollution and ensure clean water.

“This is an important investment which will enable us to expand our services and to develop innovative solutions such as the portable treatment plants for outdated sewage works facing over capacity which we have provided to the Department of Regional Development in Northern Ireland.”

Recent contracts won by the company include the development of an ultra violet filtration plant at Fofanny in the Mournes and a new sewerage scheme at Helen’s Bay, Co Down.

The company currently employs 15 people and includes among its customers public utilities and county councils in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland as well as property developers.

(SP)