Conexpo sandstone chips from County Down in big demand
Strangford MP Jim Shannon, speaking after a visit to Conexpo at the port of Belfast, said sandstone from Conexpo’s Ballygowan and Carryduff quarries has a unique high quality and is sent to England, Europe and even as far as Hong Kong.
Mr Shannon said: “Conexpo are significant employers in County Down operating from their quarries at Ballygowan and Carryduff and have been in existence since the 1950s. They have also expanded to take over the former Stevenson’s quarry at Ballynahinch.
“Conexpo stone from County Down is used in motorways and roads around all of the UK. Some ten years ago I had the privilege of being present at the laying of the County Down stone on roads around London.
“Having now visited the port of Belfast facility, and seen just how professional and progressive this company is, it is no wonder that the facility is renowned as the best in the world – there is no other harbour quarry and stone business like it.
Conexpo Director Jonathan McCluskey said: “Our business employs about 200 people and contractors across our different sites. There is a constant demand for our products.
“Our latest turnover was £30 million last year and we produced 1.3million tonnes of our main product which is a type of sandstone. This stone is very good at preventing skidding on roads when mixed in with asphalt.
“The sandstone we produce is quite unique and can be found in Scotland, some parts of Wales or else in Norway.
“Conexpo supplies high PSV aggregate from 2mm to 20mm in contracts of anything from 20,000 tonnes to 200,000 tonnes.
“Most of the product produced goes to England and about 10% goes to Europe. We have a depot in Bristol and we are networked into the rail system so we can move the products around. We do quite a bit of work in London.
“From Belfast harbour we load over 300 ships per year. Conexpo has grown in size and reputation as they can support a comprehensive package of products and services and that reduces the business risk.”
Jim Shannon MP added: “This unique sandstone reduces the potential for road accidents and with 200 lorry movements per day in Belfast, it is well seen that this business can and will do even better.
“Long may Conexpo progress and create even more jobs, employment and incomes to be spent in our local economy.”
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