Major Equipment Intl Ltd in Ballyhaunis is celebrating their 40th year in business and their 40th trip to the Ploughing Championships.
Major Equipment Intl Ltd is a designer and manufacturer grass toppers and slurry handling products. From humble beginnings in 1976 manufacturing trailers and safety cages, the company has seen many changes over the years as ithas developed into an international business employing over 78 people and exporting 65% of its production to countries as far away as Australia.
“The Ploughing Championship’s has always been a great show for us,” explained John Murphy, Managing Director at Major Equipment Intl Ltd. “We get to catch up with our customers and it’s a great platform to launch a new product. “This year Major is launching their 3.5m Cyclone Mower which has been shortlisted for the Enterprise Ireland Innovation Arena.
One thing the company hasn’t seen a change in over their 40 years, is the number of farming injuries and fatalities on our farms. ”Although there was a drop in the numbers about 20 years ago, the numbers are climbing again,” said John. To address this issue, Major Equipment has invited Alma Jordan from AgriKids onto their stand for the duration of the show. Alma is the author of a beautiful range of story books all centred on farm safety to engage, educate and empower children to be farm safety ambassadors.
“We get many farming families visiting our stand during the show, so hopefullyby reading these stories they will go home with Alma’s safety message in their minds. If it prevents the heartache and tragedy of a farm injury or fatality landing at someone’s door, we’ll be happy,” concluded John.