Powerscreen® has celebrated its 60th anniversary, marking six decades of innovation, skills development and global growth from its manufacturing roots in Dungannon, Co. Tyrone.
Founded in 1966 as Ulster Plant Ltd, Powerscreen pioneered the concept of mobile screening, an innovation that transformed how aggregates are processed around the world and established Northern Ireland as a centre of engineering excellence in the global materials processing industry.
Today, machines designed and manufactured in Mid Ulster operate across Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia and Australia, while the Powerscreen name remains one of the most recognised brands in the crushing and screening sector worldwide.
The anniversary was marked through PowerFest, a community-focused weekend of events that brought together employees, retirees, families, local residents, schools and community groups to celebrate the people whose skills, ingenuity and commitment helped build the business over six decades.
Sean Loughran, Business Line Director of Powerscreen, said, “While Powerscreen is recognised globally for the machines we build, our success has always been driven by people. As we celebrate our 60th anniversary, it is important to recognise the generations of employees, families and communities whose contribution helped create a world-leading manufacturing business from right here in Co. Tyrone.”
Beyond its role as a global manufacturer, Powerscreen has played a significant part in the development of Northern Ireland’s engineering and manufacturing sector. Generations of apprentices, engineers, tradespeople and business leaders began their careers with the business, while many former employees went on to establish successful dealerships, manufacturing businesses and engineering companies around the world.
For many in Mid Ulster, the Powerscreen was known a place to learn a trade, develop skills and build a career in manufacturing.
Loughran said “People often referred to this place as the University of Powerscreen. For decades, local people came here to learn a trade, gain experience and build careers. Those opportunities created a ripple effect that extended far beyond our own workforce.”
“Many former employees went on to establish successful businesses of their own – all over the world, while others spent their entire careers with Powerscreen. Together, they helped create a manufacturing ecosystem that has contributed significantly to Mid Ulster’s reputation as one of Europe’s leading manufacturing regions.”
The brand’s influence extends beyond its own operations. Over the past six decades, suppliers, engineering firms and specialist manufacturers across Northern Ireland have grown alongside Powerscreen, helping strengthen the region’s industrial base and export capability.
Since becoming part of Terex Corporation in 1999, Powerscreen has continued to benefit from significant investment in Northern Ireland, including the opening of its new global offices in Dungannon and ongoing investment in advanced manufacturing technologies, automation, robotics, skills development and workforce training.
Reflecting on the milestone, Loughran said the Powerscreen’s continued success demonstrates both the strength of Northern Ireland manufacturing and the importance of investing in people.
“Manufacturing today looks very different from when Powerscreen was founded in 1966. Advanced engineering, automation, digital technologies and AI are transforming the industry, but one thing remains constant: success depends on talented people.”
“For 60 years, Powerscreen has shown that a business founded in Co. Tyrone can compete successfully on the global stage. As we look to the future, our focus remains on continuing to innovate, investing in our people and ensuring that future generations have the same opportunities to build rewarding careers in manufacturing.”