Des Kelly of Cavanagh Kelly has today announced that 28 jobs have been saved in Armagh with the sale of Redrock to Fermanagh based Steel Solutions which is one of Irelands’ leading specialists in steel fabrication and a major supplier of structural steel and cladding to the construction industry.

Redrock Engineering Limited went into administration late last year, and Cavanagh Kelly have traded the business in administration for the last five months.

Redrock has been a major exporter of high quality agricultural and construction machinery into the Irish, UK and European markets and continues to employ 28 people; Mr Kelly noted that the successful sale of the business means that these jobs have been secured in the core agri-manufacturing side of the business.  The Administrators, Cavanagh Kelly, are in negotiations with purchasers for the remaining telehandler division.

Commenting on the sale, Des Kelly said :
“The sale of Redrock secures the future of one of Northern Ireland’s leading engineering firms and underpins valuable employment in the Armagh area. It is a credit to the dedication and commitment of the staff at Redrock who have maintained manufacturing output throughout our administration period, retaining confidence in the marketplace and protecting the sales process – this at a time when the general economic climate remains difficult. We wish the new owners every success in taking the Company forward”

“Redrock has consistently made significant investment in research and development of new products to enable it to remain at the forefront of the agricultural and construction industries. The new purchasers expect to maintain production at the Redrock factory and are hopeful that they can further grow and develop the Redrock brand.”

James Rooney of Steel Solutions said:
“We have been seeking to diversify for number of years and are delighted to have acquired Redrock. Steel Solutions see the purchase of Redrock as key in entering the Agri Sector where we believe there are opportunities for growth. We recognise Redrock as being a market leader in this sector recognised for Quality , Reliability, Innovation and Customer Service.
We have appointed Frank Flynn as managing director , who has had previous experience in running the company successfully. Frank brings with him a vast experience in machine design and engineering, and has had a major input in the design and development of the Redrock range. We plan to invest in the modernisation of the existing production facility and expand into new markets”.

Frank Flynn , Managing Director, Redrock  praised the workforce at Redrock:
“The Redrock brand is highly regarded across the agriculture and construction industries in Ireland , UK and across Europe and we are committed to maintaining and growing this reputation as we take the Company forward”.

We are looking forward to working with the talented and highly skilled staff who have demonstrated immense professionalism and loyalty to the company at all times. Through the combined efforts of the workforce, the continued support of customers and suppliers and our experienced management team we anticipate a very positive future for Redrock”.

Mayor of Armagh Thomas O Hanlon welcomed the announcement:
“We are delighted with this announcement and applaud the sustained efforts of all parties to secure a positive result. I am delighted that 28 jobs have been retained in the local community. I am aware that the new owners are in discussions with Invest NI and  I would hope that with their support the number of jobs in the area can be increased over the coming years”.