An innovative twin shaft concrete mixer has proved to be a winner for a Co Armagh construction sector firm.

Rapid International in Tandragee has won a contract to supply its unique concrete production plant to one of the biggest oil refinery projects in Saudi Arabia.

The contract, which follows Rapid's participation in Invest Northern Ireland trade missions to the oil rich region, is the most recent in a series of equipment deals totalling over £250,000, which the company has secured in the market over the past few months.

The company has provided the equipment to the huge refinery, which is being developed in Jubail, Eastern Province. It has also recently provided concrete mixing equipment for other construction projects in Saudi Arabia.

This latest success in Saudi was announced by Jarlath Gilmore, Rapid International's Sales and Marketing Director, and welcomed by Dr Vicky Kell, Invest NI Trade Director.

Dr Kell said: "Rapid International continues to experience impressive growth in Saudi Arabia and other parts of the Middle East because of the strength of its commitment to this hugely important and growing marketplace.

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"The company has made extensive use of our trade mission programme to gain experience in the market, to create a network of high quality contacts, including a first rate distributor, and to develop the operating flexibility to enable it to respond quickly and effectively to the specifications of individual customers," she explained.

"Saudi Arabia is now one of our most significant markets in which companies across a broad range of sectors, including construction equipment, are increasingly securing substantial contracts.

"We are confident that there are worthwhile opportunities in Saudi Arabia for local companies, both large and small in most business sectors, and will continue to develop our activities throughout the country."

Rapid's Mr Gilmore said: "Saudi Arabia has become a terrific market for us over the past few months and is now repaying our investment of time and finance there over many years. It has taken time, perseverance and commitment.

"We are now benefiting from the time invested in finding a good distributor, Al-Kifah Contracting Company in Dammam, and in building a strong relationship with this business. This has included extensive staff training, technical and promotional support that has focused on the special features of our machinery," he said.

"The twin shaft concrete mixer, which has been installed at the oil refinery, was chosen over competitor models due to its unique bearing design and the durable inner wear chamber that is not currently available in other models.

"he machine is also popular with many contractors across the Middle East because of its faster mix times and compact design. Al-Kifah also installed our mixer washout system, the Rapid Jetwash, which provides a faster, more efficient and safer washing operation," he said, noting that Invest NI's advice and support, particularly in terms of regular trade missions to the region, have been invaluable.

"Trade missions are now integrated within our overall marketing programme and are enabling us to explore other high growth markets such as Brazil and Russia," he added noting that Rapid International has been developing, manufacturing and marketing construction industry equipment for over 40 years and currently employs 50 people at its Tandragee base.

(BMcC/GK)