Rock on... Family-run Derry firm picks up 'Quarry of the Year' award

A Co Derry firm is celebrating after picking up a top business award.

Patrick Bradley Limited’s Craigall Quarry was awarded the prestigious accolade at this year’s Plant & Civil Engineers ‘Plant, Construction and Quarry’ Awards.

The famiy-run company was presented with the much coveted ‘Quarry of the Year’ award during a glittering ceremony in Belfast’s Ramada Hotel.

The annual awards ceremony is regarded as the premier event in the Plant, Construction and Quarry calendar, attracting entries, support and sponsorship from the leading players in the industry.

Patrick Bradley Limited, which is located on the outskirts of Kilrea, beat off stiff competition from four other firms which were shortlisted for the top award.

The judges said they were impressed with the company’s approach to all aspects of its activities, pointing to its investment and commitment to achieving zero harm and to its reducing its environmental impact.

The panel also referred to Bradley’s ‘excellent communication within the local community and its neighbours and the production of quality products’.

The award comes just as the company, which was founded in 1942 by Patrick Bradley, prepares to celebrate its 75th year in business.

The family business which is now owned by Patrick’s son Joe together with his family Kevin & Bronagh employs 80 members of staff.

The company employs between 75 and 100 sub-contractors.

The firm operates its own production plant for the manufacture of blocks and bricks at Craigall Quarry and has been supplying and laying Asphalt and Bitmac for many years on public carriageways, driveways, yards and car parks.

It also supplies large feature basalt stones, which are suitable for garden and landscaping needs.

Joe Bradley, owner of the company, said the award was a “great achievement.”

“This is very much down to our loyal hard working management team, staff and to all associated with the company since founded in 1942 by my father Patrick Bradley, my thanks and gratitude to them all.”