NI Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has congratulated Sandvik Ballygawley as the 2,000th machine rolled off its production line.

Three years ago, the Sandvik Group (Sweden) acquired the Fintec Crushing and Screening facility in County Tyrone. Working with Invest Northern Ireland, Sandvik has continued to develop the capability of Fintec’s manufacturing site at it strives to maintain its position as "a world leader in the design and manufacture of mobile crushing machinery".

Speaking at a celebration event hosted by the company, the Minister said: "We cannot underestimate how much the global economic downturn has impacted on the construction sector and its supply chain.

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"Invest NI has worked closely with the company over many years and has supported a number of growth and capability development projects. With the production of their 2,000th machine for a key international customer, Sandvik Ballygawley has demonstrated how a continued focus on innovation and excellence can result in success despite challenging market conditions.

"This production milestone is a major achievement and the highly skilled staff and management at Ballygawley, as well as those throughout the wider Sandvik Group, are to be commended for their focus and determination in maintaining the international competitiveness of local operations."

Liam Henry of Sandvik Ballygawley added: "The production of our 2,000th machine is testament to the talented people we have working at Ballygawley.

"We pride ourselves on the innovative, high quality nature of the crushing and screening products designed and manufactured at our state of the art facility in Co Tyrone.

"Whilst the market is certainly not as buoyant as it once was, we have maintained sales at a steady level by continuing to actively target sales in key markets and invest in skills and product development."

(NS/BMcc)