Quinn Cement's £2.5m expansion plans to create further jobs
Quinn Cement (NI) Limited and Warrenpoint Harbour Authority (WHA) have today signed contracts, which will see the construction five new cement silos at Warrenpoint Harbour with a total storage capacity of 7,500 tonnes dedicated to the export of bulk cement from the Quinn Cement operations in Ireland.
The 10-year renewable agreement between Quinn Cement and WHA will see a £2.5m investment by Quinn Approximately 20 people will be employed during the project build phase at Warrenpoint and company bosses say that the increased export capacity for Quinn Cement will secure and increase job-opportunities at Quinn’s facilities in Ballyconnell and Derrylin as well as providing additional support opportunities at Warrenpoint.
Work on the project is due to commence immediately with completion expected in September of this year.
Quinn Cement is seeking to significantly expand its operations in the UK; while at the same time providing additional long-term throughput at the harbour. The commencement of work on the Warrenpoint facility is one half of a larger strategic development by the company aimed at increasing its presence in the UK cement and construction markets.
Quinn Cement is also currently in the process of extending its storage and distribution centre at Crown Wharf, Rochester where it is constructing two additional storage silos bringing its total capacity at Rochester to 7,400 tonnes. Construction of that extension is due to be completed at the end of March.
Additionally Quinn Cement is in discussions with regard to setting up a second import facility in Great Britain.
Commenting on the development Liam McCaffrey, CEO of Quinn Industrial Holdings Limited, the holding Company for Quinn Cement, said: “This is a very significant development for the business, which will allow us to provide an even stronger service offering to our UK customers as well as creating additional local job-opportunities servicing the growing UK construction sector.
'We are delighted to be associated with Warrenpoint Harbour Authority who have been extremely good to work with. I believe this is a strong message of confidence for both our organisations, the local economy generally and a clear demonstration of commitment to our customers.”
Commenting on the development Peter Conway, CEO of Warrenpoint Harbour Authority said: “This new 10-year agreement and capital investment project consolidates an already excellent business relationship between Warrenpoint Port and Quinn Cement and creates a significant economic benefit for the Harbour and the Northern Ireland economy. The Harbour Authority looks forward to working in partnership with Quinn Cement in further growing this export volume in the years to come.”