To increase capacity and diversify markets for a local business through the purchase of a stone saw to cut local, natural stone.
Brothers Andrew and David McConkey set up Tardree Stone (just outside Antrim) 3 years ago, manufacturing natural stone products including kitchen worktops, bathroom units and flooring. On a smaller scale, they also produce shop fronts and fittings in natural stone and manufacture fireplace surrounds and natural stone tiles.
Funded under Axis 3, through Grow South Antrim, a grant of £50,000 enabled the purchase of a stone saw to cut local natural stone to allow the business to move into the cutting, tiling and architectural markets.
Investing in the stone saw has increased the capacity of the existing business and given the business flexibility to offer a wider range of products to new and existing customers. It has also opened the business up to new markets, including the high-end market offering bespoke interior and exterior masonry to architectural and civil engineering customers. The more diversified customer base has helped the business to become more sustainable in the long term as they are less dependent on one individual sector.