Global manufacturer Powerscreen celebrated its 60th anniversary with employees, retirees, families, local residents, schools and community groups who came together for a special weekend of events, recognising the people behind one of Northern Ireland's best-known manufacturing success stories.

The celebrations, known as PowerFest, marked six decades since the brand was founded in Dungannon in 1966.

The festival-style programme featured school visits, factory tours, live music, traditional music sessions, family activities, food and a charity fun run, bringing together generations of local people connected to the business.

Sean Loughran, Business Line Director of Powerscreen, said, “For our 60th anniversary, we wanted to celebrate the people who design, build and support our machines every day, as well as the community that have helped shape the success of the business over the last 60 years."

placeholder image — Past meets future: Pupils from Killyman Primary School pose in front of one of Powerscreen's original machines during the brand's 60th anniversary celebrations in Dungannon, marking six decades since the business was founded in County Tyrone. Credit: Supplied

"PowerFest was an opportunity to reconnect with the local community and recognise the generations of welders, fitters, electricians, engineers, apprentices, office staff and families who helped make Powerscreen what it is today."

Founded as Ulster Plant Ltd in 1966, Powerscreen pioneered the concept of mobile screening, an innovation that transformed how aggregates are processed around the world. Over the following decades, the business grew from a local engineering firm into a global brand while retaining its roots in Co Tyrone.

For many people in the area, Powerscreen's legacy extends far beyond the machines it manufactures.

"People often referred to this place as the 'University of Powerscreen'," said Loughran. "Generations of local people came here to learn a trade, develop skills and build careers. For many families, Powerscreen wasn't just a workplace, it was a place where opportunities were created and futures were shaped."

Then and now: Young visitors pose in front of a current-generation Powerscreen machine during the company's 60th anniversary community celebration in Dungannon. Credit: Supplied

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"Many people who started their careers here went on to establish successful businesses, dealerships and engineering companies across the world. Others spent their entire career with Powerscreen. Either way, their contribution helped build a brand that put Dungannon and Mid Ulster on the global manufacturing map."

The anniversary celebrations also highlighted the wider manufacturing ecosystem that has grown alongside Powerscreen over the past six decades. Numerous suppliers, engineering firms and manufacturing businesses across Mid Ulster have developed through longstanding relationships with the business, helping establish the region as an internationally recognised centre of engineering expertise. Since becoming part of Terex Corporation in 1999, Powerscreen has continued to invest in its facilities and manufacturing capabilities, including the opening of its new global offices in Dungannon and ongoing investment in training, automation and modern manufacturing technologies.

Loughran added: "Manufacturing today offers opportunities that would have been unimaginable when Powerscreen was founded 60 years ago. Whether it's advanced engineering, robotics, digital technologies or AI, the industry continues to evolve. What remains constant is the importance of developing talented people and giving them opportunities to succeed."

Reflecting on the weekend, Loughran said the celebrations were ultimately about recognising the role Powerscreen has played in local life over six decades and thanking those who have contributed to its success.

"Powerscreen has been part of the fabric of this community for 60 years. There are families with multiple generations who have come through our doors, and countless others who have been connected to the business in some way."