A Co Armagh scaffolding firm has diversified into stadium rock to build the VIP stand for a Kings of Leon gig at Slane Castle.
McCrory Scaffolding in Craigavon will supply and put up the 2,300 seater VIP grandstand for the much anticipated concert at the Co Meath venue on May 28.
Around 80,000 tickets sold out for the gig in 40 minutes when they went on sale in November.
Managing director Patrick McCrory said diversification will be the key to protecting jobs at the company and ensuring future growth in a difficult economic climate.
“Traditionally we would have operated in the scaffolding and industrial services sectors, with a lot of smaller projects such as on-street scaffolding for private property builds.
“Event services is a new direction for us and although we have already completed some smaller projects in this sector, the Kings of Leon concert will be the first contract on this scale.
“Slane is one of the top music events in Ireland so it’s an exciting opportunity.”
Around 15 to 20 employees will be involved, and it’s anticipated some new staff will be taken on.
The company has also gained three new long-term contracts worth around £2.5m in total.
It will provide scaffolding and industrial cleaning for the ESB Moneyport station in Co Clare, scaffolding for ESB Aghada in Co Cork and also scaffolding for British Sugar in Peterborough in England.
Mr McCrory said: “These contracts are between one and three years, so as well as ensuring job security, it contributes to the local economy.”
Source: Belfast Telegraph
