Space age technology inspires tank industry

Technology pioneered by the US space industry is being harnessed for the much more humble business of producing chemical storage tanks on the peace line in west Belfast, it was revealed today.

Space age technology inspires tank industry

Technology pioneered by the US space industry is being harnessed for the much more humble business of producing chemical storage tanks on the peace line in west Belfast, it was revealed today.

The space technology is to be used by Silotank, which over the past ten years has developed into one of the leading glass reinforced plastic and plastic tank manufacturers in the UK and Ireland.

The company has invested £500,000 (€785,000) in the technology and a filament winding plant. The EU Peace and Reconciliation programme has provided a further £300,000 (€471,000) for a filament winding machine.

Northern Ireland Office minister responsible for the economy, Ian Pearson, today visited the company to switch on their new acquisition.

He said that given Silotank’s location it was particularly appropriate money had been provided by the Peace and Reconciliation programme.

The unique EU funding programme was assisting Northern Ireland in becoming a peaceful and stable society, he said.

“The European Union has shown its clear and continued commitment to maintaining the momentum for peace and reconciliation and indeed, we are currently implementing the new Peace 11 Programme,” he said.

Mr Pearson said the new state-of-the-art machinery and technology had facilitated a diversification of Silotank’s product range and would provide an opportunity for them to exploit new market opportunities across Europe.

He said optimism, courage, far-sightedness and dogged determination had helped to bring the company to the stage it was at today.

“The impact on a beleaguered local community cannot be underestimated and Silotank is to be congratulated on its achievements, both economically and socially,” said the minister.

Managing director Seamus Carmichael said the company aimed to “double its production capabilities and continue to embrace new technologies, whilst ensuring that the finest quality standard is achieved."

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