Paving and Building products manufacturer AG has built a new Health, Safety, Environment and Quality (HSEQ) centre at its Head office in Fivemiletown.

The main purpose of the new facility is product testing, research and development, and product trials. AG also hopes to strengthen its focus on sustainable operations. 

The testing equipment available in the new centre will help the compay perform the full range of tests required to meet all applicable technical standards. AG already operates an integrated HSEQ management system that is fully accredited to the internationally recognised standards; ISO14001, ISO45001 and ISO9001. 

A key part of the investment was to allow the incorporation of design and testing capability to the building of prototypes, before a new product goes to production.  

These investments in technology and equipment are seen by AG as a way to reduce production time, and improve the quality of its products, but also to offer advanced skills development opportunities to its employees.  

Ivor Malone, Group HSEQ Coordinator from AG explained: “The new HSEQ testing, training and innovation centre further underlines AG’s commitment to industry-leading product quality and the pioneering of advancements in concrete products.”

Further to the investment, AG has added an extra standard and audit process o its paving products, for them to reach BES 6001 Responsible Sourcing certification. 

The company has also partnered with Queens University Belfast through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) program. This partnership, combined with an ongoing sustainability strategy, aims to help AG improve on product quality while focusing on reducing carbon emissions.