Ecocem Ireland has upped its export capacity with the launch of its first UK-based bulk import terminal along the Manchester Ship Canal.
The terminal which represents a £2million investment has been developed in partnership with Peel Ports, to help Irelands premier manufacturer of high performance, low carbon cement capitalise on the booming UK construction market.
A further £2million has already been committed to increase capacity at the Runcorn Docks site to meet the growing demands of the market.
The new bulk import facility will handle cement from Ecocems production facility in Dublin Port. From here it will be processed and transported direct to the heartland of the UKs construction industry via road, rail and water.
Ecocem Ireland is the leading manufacturer of GGBS (Ground Granulated Blastfurnace Slag) which minimises the environmental impact of concrete, while maximising its technical performance.
It has already been used extensively in the UK including on projects such as the Olympic Stadium and The Shard in London.
This first ever UK-based investment forms part of Ecocem Irelands overall strategy to develop export markets from its existing facilities.
Construction has also started on a further UK import facility at Peel Ports Sheerness, giving access to the lucrative London and South East markets.