US engineering giant Terex has opened its new £12 million facility in Derry, which will eventually create 100 jobs for the north west.
The global manufacturer, which specialises in materials processing and lifting solutions, has already recruited 40 people to the 105,000 sq ft site at Campsie.
The new north-west hub will manufacture heavy equipment for the group’s waste and recycling division Terex Ecotec and for mobile conveyors.
Terex already employs around 1,000 people between manufacturing sites in Omagh and Dungannon. Hundreds work across sites in Lurgan and Ballymoney.
In July, Terex Corporation’s materials processing division, which is largely centred in the north, reported a 9% annual rise in sales to $365m (£300m). Globally, the group posted sales of $1.3bn (£1.1bn).
Speaking during an official opening ceremony attended by more than 100 representatives from across the educational, political and business worlds, the president of Terex Materials Processing, Kieran Hegarty said the new Derry facility will be driven by the growing demand for environmental equipment globally.
“We’re excited that Terex Campsie has started producing equipment to cater for this market—the type of equipment capable of processing construction and demolition waste or everyday waste from your home—to be exported all over the world," said Mr Hegarty.
“We’ve a fantastic local team now in place and trained in our world-class manufacturing processes. But we don’t stop there. Terex has ambitious plans for growth and just as important as this new facility and filling our current vacant positions is in developing and retaining our people so we have the skills needed to deliver our ambitious growth plans.”
Also speaking at the event, Derry and Strabane District Council deputy mayor Cara Hunter said: “We are honoured that Terex chose to invest in its Campsie site to support its ambitious global growth strategy.
“The grand opening today is very good news for our region and reaffirms the North West’s position as a competitive, exciting and innovative place to do business.”
Yesterday’s ceremony saw local schools given a tour of the new manufacturing facility. Mr Hegarty said the company had worked with schools and colleges to ensure a future talent pool.
“Northern Ireland is an extremely important manufacturing location for Terex, with nine sites in Northern Ireland—across Dungannon, Omagh, Ballymoney, Lurgan, employing over 1,800 people,” he said.
“From supply chain benefits, exports, and jobs, these Terex facilities deliver significant economic benefits to each of the local areas where we operate, and Northern Ireland as a whole.”
