International trade delegation hosted by Ballyhaunis company Agrispread
AGRISPREAD of Ballyhaunis have this week been hosting a delegation of farmers, dealers and distributors from key markets in Canada, the US and Australia.
The delegation have all been early adopters of AgriSpread’s product range and have agreed to travel to Ireland to witness at first hand the manufacturing process and receive an overview of key engineering and other technical innovations being introduced across the company’s range.
As well as a full factory tour that includes meeting all key staff, the week-long itinerary included visits to McHale’s of Ballinrobe, the Kiernan Mill at Granard, the Coolmore Stud in Tipperary, Teagasc’s Crop Research Farm and a number of visits to private farms. A series of social engagements are also stitched into the packed week.
The company, which was crowned overall winner of the 2011 National Enterprise Awards, has made significant strides in export markets in recent years.
With a range of innovative machines with advanced technological features, the company has ambitious plans to target additional export markets.
AgriSpread is recognised as an innovative company which constantly improving and developing new products and is positioning itself as a global leader in the fertiliser and lime spreading sector.
John Magee, Head of Enterprise, Mayo County Council pointed out: “Agri-Spread form an important component of a thriving agri-tech manufacturing sector in Mayo.”
Other notable businesses in this space include Major (Ballyhaunis), Cashels Engineering (Ballyhaunis), McHale’s (Ballinrobe) and Malone Farm Machinery (Ballyglass).
Added John: “The success of these businesses is reflective of a local culture of technical innovation, the availability of skilled labour, a willingness to look to international markets and highlights the role that enterprise support agencies such as the Local Enterprise Office and Enterprise Ireland can play in helping businesses get traction and then scale.”
* Pictured are Peter Hynes, chief executive, Mayo County Council, David Murphy and Mark Murphy of Agrispread, and John Magee, Head of Mayo Enterprise.