An Offaly company has been named as one of two firms which have won a £45m (€60m) contract to supply a new fleet of winter service vehicles for UK roads.
Romaquip makes and supplies equipment such as salt spreaders and snowploughs. The company says the contract has the potential to quadruple its sales in a short period of time.
In the first year alone, it will represent a 50% increase in Romaquip's annual production. The contract was awarded by the UK Highways Agency but it will also be made available to UK local authorities, which could lead to further sales.
Romaquip commercial director Ray Leonard said he expected the deal to prompt 'significant expansion' of its operations and new jobs. Enterprise Ireland backs the company, which is based in Birr.
