A Newry-based firm specialising in waste water management has landed a valuable contract to supply its innovative grease-busting machines to one of America's most iconic railway stations, the Grand Central in New York.
FM Environmental is to instal its leading-edge Grease Guardian product into the station, which is one of the world's most visited tourist attractions with more than million visitors and passengers each year.
The deal was confirmed by Stormont Economy Minister Jonathan Bell at the end of a week-long charm offensive in America, where he has been "selling" Northern Ireland’s unique offering of a reduced tax rate, skilled workforce and low-cost location as a "lucrative combination" for potential US investors.
FM Environmental, which already exports equipment to more than 30 markets including the US, Britain, the Republic, France and Russia, will benefit from £50,000 of Invest NI support to assist it with its export growth plans, including market development activities, IT support and the creation of two new jobs.
The company, which employs more than 100 staff at the Greenbank industrial estate in Newry, set up a New York base 18 months ago, and this latest contract adds to its existing business with leading US fast-food restaurants and coffee houses.
Des Murphy from Grease Guardian USA said: “Our Grease Guardian technology allows restaurants, hotels, airports and other major industries to comply with regulations for the disposal of waste.
“Our product has been upgraded and developed to a range of models in recent years and Invest NI assistance has helped us to enhance our offering to suit particular markets such as the US and Asia.
“Initially, we did our research which allowed us to gain information about the steps we would have to take to enter the US market and as a result, identified a gap in the US market for our Grease Guardian grease trap products.
“We have been on a number of Invest NI trade missions and are starting to reap the benefits of all our hard work, with significant new business being signed in this market. We now hope to continue to develop relationships in the US which will be vital to our future exporting success.”
Announcing the Grand Central Station deal, Mr Bell said: “This is an impressive development for a very ambitious Northern Ireland company. FM Environmental identified the US as a target market for its Grease Guardian products and took the strategic decision to open a US office to enable it to capitalise on the emerging business opportunities.
“This commitment has certainly paid off. In the first 12 months, the company has successfully installed its products in over 300 different locations across the US, and can now include the magnificent Grand Central Station on its long list of customers.
“This is an excellent example of how a growing Northern Ireland company can prosper in a global market with the right focus and investment. I hope this deal will act as a springboard for FM Environmental to generate even more business here in New York, and beyond.”
