Dodds praises innovative SlurryKat firm

Diane Dodds MEP along with David Simpson MP, Stephen Moutry MLA and the Mayor of Craigavon DUP Councillor Mark Baxter pictured with Managing Director of SlurryKat Garth Cairns.

SlurryKat - based near Laurencetown - is a first class example of the innovative and forward thinking SME sector in Northern Ireland.

Over the past five years, the DUP MEP has met hundreds of local people in the area through hosting funding workshops for small and medium sized businesses, community groups and not-for-profit organisations, as well as CAP information evenings for local farmers.

Speaking after her visit to SlurryKat, Diane Dodds said: “I would like to thank SlurryKat for inviting me to visit their operation and to see the innovative and professional service offered by this local company to clients across the globe.

“SlurryKat, a leading slurry solutions company, has expanded rapidly over the last two decades and can now boast to offer some of the best equipment on the market today.

“The business is a shining example of successful entrepreneurship in the Province. Managing Director, Garth Cairns, started the company after spotting a gap in the market for a wide range of products which would boost activity for farmers.”

Mrs Dodds continued: “In recognising the need for clever design Garth began to design and build his own equipment to achieve higher levels of productivity for local farmers.

“The company now employs 28 people, exports 140 different products to 18 different countries.

“I have always stated the wider role farmers play in the local business community.

“Farmers are well known for their willingness to spend money in the local area and maintain that much needed backbone. Schemes like the Farm Modernisation Scheme and the Manure Efficiency Technology Scheme which have been delivered through the Rural Development Scheme should be improved and delivered under the next scheme. This investment creates jobs and improves on farm efficiencies