Invest Northern Ireland along with ten local companies, is taking part in the Modern Build Conference in Dublin.

The companies are all engaged in the latest building techniques such as the off-site manufacture and the supply of innovative products for the construction industry.

Invest NI is sponsoring the conference, which is being held at the Pavilion Conference Centre, Leopardstown Racecourse, as part of its longstanding support for the local construction industry.

Alan Hingston, Invest NI’s Trade Director, commenting on Invest NI’s sponsorship of the important event, said: “Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), such as off-site manufactured systems and innovative on-site construction methods, are a rapidly expanding sector. Year-on-year growth is predicted to continue over the next five years giving a market value of some £3.2 billion by 2009.

“Our decision to sponsor the conference was influenced by the existence of a sizeable cluster of Northern Ireland companies with extensive knowledge of and experience in such techniques. The conference will enable them to demonstrate their expertise to a wide audience and thereby strengthen their market shares in the Republic of Ireland and Great Britain.

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“The event offers an excellent opportunity to learn about the issues and business prospects, and to network with key decision makers,” he added.

The business opportunities developing from modern building techniques were outlined by Orla Corr, Managing Director of the McAvoy Group, Dungannon, a company specialising in the design, in-factory manufacture and installation of a vast range of modular buildings.

“It’s our experience that modern building systems mean quicker build times, increased productivity, a faster return on investment and better margins, as well as improved health and safety,” said Ms Corr.

“The conference will enable us to show our range of products and to learn more about market trends and innovative techniques,” she added.

The companies will be promoting their expertise and products on Invest NI’s branded ‘Northern Ireland Constructive Ideas’ stand.

Northern Ireland companies taking part in Modern Build 2007 include: Acheson and Glover, Dungannon – construction materials; Canopies Ireland, Dungannon – building products; Larsen Building Products, Belfast – building materials; Lawell Asphalt, Belfast – roofing systems; McAvoy Group, Dungannon – offsite modular and sectional buildings; Potter Cowan, Belfast – building supplies; Quality Timber Frame, Rathfriland – timber-frame buildings; Younger Homes, Maghera – timber-framed homes; RVP Group, Lisburn - roofing; WJ Dolan Construction, Castlederg - construction.

The Modern Build conference provides delegates with a unique opportunity to learn more about special requirements, trends, and forthcoming projects in a fast growing construction sector.

(SP)