A concrete products company said its focus on export markets was helping it stay on top despite the massive downturn in construction.

Moore Concrete Products in Co Antrim has spent nearly £0.9m on developing new products and marketing in recent years, supported by Invest NI.

It also diversified by setting up a separate company, Moore Biosystems, to sell a new biogas system tailored to the agriculture sector in Britain.

But the company's main business is making pre-cast concrete products for agricultural, civil engineering and construction sectors.

Products have ranged from livestock drinking troughs to window sills and retaining wall systems.

Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster visited the company's main plant on Woodside Road in Ballymena.

She said Invest NI had helped the company develop new products, improve efficiency and target new markets.

"As a result, the company has strengthened its position in both local and export markets and is continuing to expand its product portfolio and target potential new customers.

"It has also recognised the value of strategic partnerships and has established manufacturing licences with a number of international companies."

Company director Wilbert Moore (left) said: "Invest NI's support over a number of years has enabled the company to bring to market new products and to investigate new market opportunities.

"We remain focused on growth through the development of higher margin and more bespoke products for the local, Great Britain and Republic of Ireland markets."