Speaking to the Herald following the Government’s proposals for how to deal with customs checks and the border following UK’s departure from the EU, which many have pointed out still provide little clarity, senior director with Quinn Industrial Holdings (QIH), Kevin Lunney, said that despite the challenges being presented by Brexit, the company was optimistic about its future. 

“Notwithstanding Brexit risks, QIH continues to perform strongly,” said Mr Lunney. “The business delivered a strong underlying performance in 2016 with profits and employment up strongly and with our continued capital investment programme underpinning competitiveness, efficiency and our export route to market. 

“As an organisation with operations on both sides of the border, we see Brexit as presenting challenges for all our stakeholders, from staff to suppliers to customers and the local economy of which we are part. We will continue to assess those challenges as a clearer picture emerges from upcoming trade negotiations. 

“Whatever the outcome of those discussions our focus is on controlling those factors within our control and ensuring an efficient supply chain to Great Britain which accounts for an important part of our sales.”

Mr Lunney explained, for example, Quinn Cement had entered into a 10 year £2.5m investment in a new export hub at Warrenpoint in collaboration with Warrenpoint Harbour Authority. 

“This investment is a key pillar in Quinn Cement’s growth agenda for its GB operations and complements a £1.3 million upgrade to the Quinn Cement GB import facility in Rochester, Kent,” he continued. 

“We see this is an important and timely development for the business ahead of Brexit. 

“It will allow Quinn Cement to strengthen our supply chain for bulk product, accommodate more flexible transport from our production facility in Ballyconnell and enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of our operations on both islands. 

“We believe this investment will help sustain and grow jobs at Quinn Cement and underpin economic activity on both sides of the border and in the South of England.”

Mr Lunney concluded: “Despite Brexit, the group remains optimistic about its future performance, based on its market position and its experience of operating on a cross-border basis since its original formation almost 45 years ago.”