A Co Down quarrying firm has defied the economic downturn by securing a massive roads contract in England.

Stone from Craigantlet Quarry was used to build London's M25 motorway and the runways in some of the city's airports.

Finance Minister Sammy Wilson recently met with the firm to hear how it succeeded within and beyond Northern Ireland, in the face of global challenges.

He said it was encouraging to see local firms benefiting from the Executive's investment in infrastructure, aimed at bolstering the quarrying products industry.

"Almost £1,700m in gross capital investment has been taken forward in 2008-09 with almost £1m a day of additional investment, providing a real boost to the local construction industry," said the Minister.

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According to Mr Wilson, his department has been working with the Roads Services to ease pressures on the industry and maximise budget allocation.

Pointing to the significance of the latest Northern Ireland Construction Bulletin, Mr Wilson said public sector spending "is laying the foundations for a more prosperous economy in the future".

"The Executive's planned level of capital investment over the next two years, as set out in the Budget for the period 2008-11, will offer a range of significant opportunities to bid for Government contracts," he said.

"The successful performance of Craigantlet Quarry, and others operating in the construction sector, demonstrates that local firms have the capabilities to bid for and win contracts in other regions of the UK and further afield."

Mr Wilson urged all firms to bid for local contracts and also seek opportunities further afield.

Gordon Best from the Quarry Products Association welcomed the Minister to the quarry.

He said: "We share the Minister's commitment to improving health and safety, promoting sustainable development and growing the local economy.

"The standards that the Minister has seen are becoming more common place across our industry in Northern Ireland. Our industry has been badly affected by the economic downturn and we appreciate the Minister's support through what have been very difficult times."

(PR/JM)