Belfast construction company Ridgeway has forecast exponential growth for its supply business this year after seeing a 40% increase in revenues since acquiring the European rights to distribute rockbags that are used by engineers to protect underwater cables and pipelines.
Rockbags, the commonly used named for the Japanese company Japanese company Kowya's patented filter units, are constructed of a mesh bag filled with rocks that boast a lifespan of 50 years, and they are also used to stabilise structures as well as to prevent flooding and bridge scour.
Ridgeway initially secured the UK and Ireland distribution licence for rockbags and last year acquired the European licence, which it said "represents a significant opportunity" for the company, which has an established network of deals and strategic stock locations.
"The acquisition of Kyowa’s European and African distribution rights is testament to our excellent performance and project track record in our existing markets and is an essential part of the business going forward," Ridgeway managing director Stephen Kane said.
“Working with top tier clients including major contractors and utility providers across the UK and Ireland, we have experienced exponential growth and are ramping up our service offering across Europe to meet demand. With two stock and filling locations in Norway already well established we are experiencing increased demand for these patented protected solutions.
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“The acquisition of Rockbags has seen our turnover rise by 40% and allowed us to expand into other countries, establishing solid product performance on multimillion-pound projects and paving the way for more work from similar schemes across Europe, Africa and beyond. "
The Northern Irish company counts SSE and Danish power company Orsted among its clients for rockbags and services, and its flagship projects include EDF Energy's Teesside Offshore Wind Farm.
It has also won contracts in Ireland at Arklow Bank, in Scotland at Beatrice, in Wales at the Gwynt y Môr wind farm, and for E.ON wind farms in England at Robin Rigg, Humber Gateway and Rampion, plus a number of public contracts within the UK's Environment Agency Framework.
Invest Northern Ireland director of trade and investment Anne Beggs said: "Ridgeway is a fantastic example of a local family-owned company which takes a strategic and ambitious approach to its growth locally, nationally and internationally.
“This deal shines a spotlight on Northern Ireland’s construction sector, showcasing our strong reputation for delivering excellence and expertise combined with innovation in global markets. This is something that Stephen and his team should all be proud of.”
Photo: Anne Beggs, director of trade and investment at Invest Northern Ireland, and Stephen Kane
