Over the past year the firm has expanded its factory on the Old Rossorry Road and acquired a quarry in Co Fermanagh.

According to the latest financial report released by the firm, turnover increased by almost £7m (54%) over the year to £19.5m, with profit before tax rising from £1.9m to £3.2m.

Tracey Concrete, headed by Patsy Tracey, has enjoyed a rising profile in recent years, partly due to its strong association with Fermanagh GAA through sponsorship. And like the fortunes of Fermanagh's senior men's team in recent years, Tracey Concrete is on an upward trajectory. Its workforce had increased to 127 at the end of March 2018, with 18 people recruited over the 12 months. That's almost double the staff the company had at the end of 2013.

Tracey Concrete now describes itself as one of the largest precast concrete manufacturers in the UK and Ireland, specialising in precast drainage, tunnelling and building products.

But 2018 has been a difficult period in some sectors of the concrete industry. Last year saw Acheson and Glover close its precast plant in Magherafelt, before shutting a second site in Ballygawley in November and placing the entire division in administration. Around 162 were employed by the subsidiary firm before the closures.

Acheson and Glover initially blamed uncertainty in the marketplace caused by Brexit for its losses, with demand for its precast products falling by between 35% and 40% throughout the year.

The report accompanying the financial results confirmed that Tracey Concrete purchased a quarry at Gardrum Road in Belcoo. It's understood the quarry was bought from Acheson and Glover.

In a statement attached to the results, director Patsy Tracey said: "The economic environment in which the company operates continues to be challenging.

"However, the ongoing strategy of the business is to continue to target profitable contracts, maintain turnover and increase profit margins through cost containment.

"Performance in the sector is affected by general economic conditions including the impact of Brexit which is yet unclear.

"As the likely outcome of Brexit negotiations becomes clearer, the directors will consider it as part of their ongoing strategic review process."

Credit: Belfast Telegraph