FM ENVIRONMENTAL WINS SIGNIFICANT BUSINESS IN AUSTRALIA Orders worth more than £300,000 have been won by FM Environmental of Newry from customers in Australia since taking part in Invest Northern Ireland trade initiatives there.
The company, which specialises in the design, manufacture and installation of waste water treatment systems including the patented Grease Guardian product for use in restaurants, hotels, canteens and fast food outlets, announced its success in Australia at a conference for its international network of distributors and partners today.

Taking part in the inaugural FM Environmental International Distributor Conference were around 20 representatives from distributors and partners from twelve different countries, throughout Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Australia.

Eamon Fitzpatrick, FM Environmental’s group chairman, said: “Australia is now among our most important and growing global markets. With the help of Invest NI trade missions we’ve developed a strong platform there and identified opportunities for sustainable growth over the next few years.

“The aim of this first of many annual seminars that we plan is to encourage, guide and support our international distributors in building business in their respective markets,” he added.

Welcoming FM’s latest success, Alan Hingston, Invest NI’s Trade director, said: “This is a very progressive company which is continually seeking opportunities in the global business for the development of its business through direct sales and by means of joint ventures.

“FM is an excellent role model for other small to medium-sized engineering companies seeking growth by expanding into export markets,” he added.

FM Environmental, a past winner of a Northern Ireland Exporter of the Year Award, employs around 40 people at its Newry factory. The winners of the Northern Ireland Exporter of the Year Awards 2003/4 will be announced on 17 June at a gala event in Belfast City Hall.

Held on Friday night last 11th June in the Canal Court Hotel Newry, FM Environmental were presented with the ‘People Development’ Award by Mr. Raymond Mullan OBE, Director of Newry & Kilkeel Institute of Further and Higher Education.

Managing Director, Kevin Fitzpatrick stated that FM Environmental was greatly honoured to have won the prestigious award and that the award was achieved as a result of an exceptional team effort. Nicola Whyte, Training & Development Manager and co-ordinator of the project, said that FM Environmental had just completed the Invest N.I. Company Development Programme and was currently working towards achieving the coveted Investors In People Award later this month.