The project, worth over £6 million, features prefabricated curtain walling which is believed to be the first time such a product has been used in a construction development in Northern Ireland.

The company has previously supplied unitised curtain walls for use in projects in England, Scotland and the USA.

Managing director Ted McMullen said the project underlined the company’s specialist credentials: “As a company we have been involved in many large developments but to be providing unitised curtain walling for the first time within Northern Ireland highlights the level of innovation and specialism that McMullen can deliver both domestically and in the global construction market.”

When completed the £50 million 28-storey Obel Tower at Donegall Quay will stand 81 metres above ground level and will contain 182 apartments, studios, duplexes and penthouses, as well as an eight-storey hotel and a seven-storey office suite.

“This is a very exciting project for McMullen Architect-ural Systems to be involved in. The Obel Tower will be a symbol of the further regeneration of the Laganside area and Belfast in general and we are delighted to be working on what will undoubtedly become a major Northern Ireland landmark,” Mr McMullen said.

Construction work on the Obel Tower is being undertaken by O’Hare and McGovern, the building division of Newry-based Carnbane House Group and is scheduled for completion by summer 2010.

Eamon O’Hare, managing director of O’Hare and McGovern, said: “The Obel Tower is an ambitious and challenging project and requires expertise within every area of construction.

“With over 30 years’ experience of landmark infrastructure projects O’Hare and McGovern have the necessary skills to complete the development on time and within budget. We are delighted to be working with McMullen Architectural Systems as we are confident that they will provide a superb level of service.”

McMullen Architectural Systems, which was set up in 1971, has rapidly become established as a specialist within the construction industry.

It serves the UK and International construction markets as a specialist contractor that undertakes the full design, fabrication and installation of aluminium curtain walling and window frames for large-scale building projects.

The McMullen Group, which employs over 350 staff with headquarters in Northern Ireland and operations in the Republic, England, Scotland, Poland (where it has design offices) and the USA.

The company, which has doubled its turnover in the past two years to £50 million, serves the UK, Irish and international markets and expects to reach turnover of £70 million in two years’ time thanks to a strong order book.