A Toomebridge-based engineering company has won a prestigious international award.
Central Welding, a specialist in the manufacturer of road tankers for the fuel distribution industry, beat off stiff competition from companies in the UK and throughout Europe to win the Tanker of the Year title in awards organised by the national tr
ade magazine Fuel Oil News.
The company was recognised for the manufacture of an oil tanker it built for Emo, one of Northern Ireland’s leading oil companies.
The award presentation took place in Harrogate at EXPO 2009, a major exhibition held by the Federation of Petroleum Suppliers.
Central Welding’s Managing director Robert McNeill said:
“Everyone at the company strives to achieve the highest standard of workmanship, and we’re proud to have won against major companies from throughout Europe.”
Central Welding was nominated for the award by Gary Wilson, Emo’s transport and logistics manager.
Mr Wilson commended the Toombridge company for its service.
“Their team worked tirelessly to ensure that the vehicle was designed and built to our high specifications, within budget and delivered on time.
“This is the first tanker Central Welding has built for Emo. We have now ordered a fleet of another six vehicles and we look forward to continuing an excellent working relationship.”
Jane Hughes, editor of Fuel Oil News, said: “Central Welding were unanimous winners. Their design, craftsmanship and delivery of the Emo tanker were of the highest calibre. They fully deserve their skills to be recognised at these prestigious awards.”
The tanker triumph follows a substantial expansion of Emo’s activities in Northern Ireland in recent months. Four leading oil companies – Cawoods Oil, Emo Oil, Fuel Services and Kane Fuels – have united under the Emo name. Alderdice Fuels of Dromore, Buchanan Fuels of Omagh and Donaldson Fuels of Cookstown have also become Emo distributors.
