The agricultural arm of Northern Ireland’s machinery manufacturer Redrock Engineering, which went into administration in October 2009, has been bought by Fermanagh manufacturer Steel Solutions.

Administrator Cavanagh Kelly was called in last October after demand dropped sharply and the firm was forced to make 50 out of its 80 employees redundant. The buy-out has saved 28 jobs in the core agri-manufacturing side of the business, which is responsible for slurry tankers, trailers and handling equipment. Cavanagh Kelly is in talks with potential purchasers for Redrock’s telehandler division.

Des Kelly of Cavanagh Kelly said: “The sale of Redrock secures the future of one of Northern Ireland’s leading engineering firms and underpins valuable employment in the Armagh area. The new purchasers expect to maintain production at the Redrock factory and are hopeful they can expand and develop the Redrock brand.”

Discussions with Invest Northern Ireland have been held to look into the possible expansion of the business. James Rooney of Steel Solutions says the expansion could include modernising the production facility and working towards new markets. Steel Solutions has appointed Frank Flynn as managing director.