Quarry equipment firm to create 40 jobs

Quarry equipment manufacturer CDE, based in Cookstown Co Tyrone, today announced a £5.4m (€7.6m) investment in an expansion which will create 40 new jobs.

The Cookstown company is to construct a major extension to its existing manufacturing plant enabling it to step up production capacity, improve quality and reduce costs.

It said the increased capability would help the firm develop new and existing markets in Asia, Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

Invest NI offered over £300,000 (€422,579) towards the project and chief executive Leslie Morrison said: "I am delighted that we are assisting the company develop a state of the art manufacturing factory which will reflect the professionalism and international focus of CDE."

He said the development of such property was important for indigenous companies which were experiencing significant growth overseas.

"This new building project is now a vital element of CDE's strategy for moving forward. It will enable the firm to optimise the efficiency of its production facility and reinforce its growing presence in international markets."

Tony Convery, executive chairman of CDE said there were major opportunities, particularly in Eastern Europe and Asia, for the company and the expansion would help them to secure new business in the regions.

"By moving into new purpose-built premises, with the support of Invest NI, we will be able to further increase the level and quality of our production which will ensure we will continue to offer some of the most innovative products available in international markets," he said.

Meanwhile ready mixed concrete company CEMEX announced a £2.25m (€3.17m) investment in the development of a state of the art plant at Strabane, Co Tyrone.

The company, one of Ireland's largest building solutions businesses, said once complete the new facility would mark growth in its core business across the North.

The £2.25m (€3.17m) will be spent on the acquisition of an existing plant in Strabane and will improve efficiency in the manufacture of ready mixed concrete and add capacity to enable it to supply a growing local market.

Paul Connolly, regional director of the company in the North, said: "This investment in a next generation ready mixed concrete operation located in Tyrone, will strengthen our core businesses across the province.

"The development is a welcome addition to our network of operations and it will enable us to provide products and building solutions to a wider market."