Over 50 delegates from the world of concrete manufacturers have met in Belfast to discuss innovation within the industry.

The International Prestressed Hollowcore Association (IPHA) Annual conference was hosted by Toomebridge company Creagh Concrete Products Ltd.

It was the first time the event had been held in Northern Ireland.

Prestressed hollowcore concrete is used to manufacture floor and wall panels with a wide range of applications, from residential to large-scale projects including school, hospitals and shopping centres.

Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster said the conference had brought together leading concrete producers from around the world to network with counterparts, share knowledge and identify possible collaboration opportunities.

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"Having undertaken research projects with both the University of Ulster and Queen's University, Belfast, Creagh Concrete has embedded innovation into its operations and become a market leader in the field, generating over 60% of sales outside Northern Ireland," said Ms Foster.

She said Invest NI can help companies develop these valuable links with academia and offers financial and advisory support to take forward research into new products and processes.

"This could prove crucial as the local concrete sector seeks to explore the very latest improvements to prestressed hollowcore technology, and make the most of its increasing use in construction projects around the UK and the Republic of Ireland," said the Minister.

Seamus McKeague, Managing Director of Creagh Concrete and an IPHA board member, said: "IPHA works hard to promote the use of the technology in new building schemes.

"This is of great benefit to all member companies, particularly during the current economic downturn."

(PR/BMcC)