Northern Ireland’s crushing and screening OEMs will be heavily represented at ConExpo 2026, with manufacturers from the region exhibiting at the March global aggregates showcase in Las Vegas.
Equipment dealer Finning UK & Ireland will be supporting over 20 of its partners at the event, many of which will be exhibiting equipment powered by Cat engine technology.
Northern Ireland manufactures more than 40% of the world’s tracked mobile crushing and screening equipment, with the sector employing 8,000-plus people in over 100 companies. Machines built in Northern Ireland are exported worldwide and operate in some of the toughest conditions on earth, from sub-zero climates to extreme heat.
Finning is the exclusive distributor of Caterpillar engines in the UK and Ireland, and works closely with manufacturers across Northern Ireland, supporting the design, build and global deployment of their equipment. Finning will be at ConExpo alongside OEM partners to show the role Caterpillar power plays across the machinery on display.
Steffen Barrett, sales manager for industrial engines at Finning UK & Ireland, said: “Northern Ireland manufacturers supply customers right across the world, with demand largely coming from the US, Europe, South America, Africa and Australia.
“ConExpo is one of the few shows that attracts a truly global audience, which makes the event an important opportunity for our OEM partners to meet customers, dealers and distributors face to face.
“We’re also seeing technology shift in line with regional requirements. In parts of Europe, regulatory pressure and air quality rules are increasing interest in electric and hybrid drive machines. Other markets still rely heavily on conventional powertrains.
“Our role is to help ensure manufacturers have access to the best powertrain solutions to suit both their application and their customer needs. This includes established fuels and energy sources while also facilitating fuel transition, increased operational efficiency and reduced emissions.”
The company’s involvement with Northern Ireland OEMs starts well before machines reach site. Finning supports the development of the engine specification and machine integration, application engineering, prototype validation and factory production.
Its local engineering teams and field service network also provide rapid response on the manufacturing line and ongoing aftermarket support once equipment is manufactured. The OEM dealers and end users are subsequently supported by a network of 152 independent Cat dealers in 190 countries. A wide range of solutions are available to help minimise machine downtime including customer value agreements, condition monitoring and extended service coverage.
Some of the Northern Ireland companies exhibiting at ConExpo include McCloskey International, Tesab, Terex, Omega Crushing & Screening, RubbleCrusher, Anaconda, Sandvik and Edge Innovate.
Darren McKnight, VP at McCloskey International, said: “ConExpo is one of the most important opportunities we have to connect directly with our dealers, customers and industry partners. It allows us to showcase the strength of the McCloskey brand on a global stage and demonstrate our commitment to innovation and future-focused solutions.
“This year, we’re particularly proud to introduce the new J5 Jaw Crusher, along with our expanding electric crusher range. These machines represent the next step in delivering powerful, efficient, and environmentally responsible equipment to the market.
“Being at ConExpo ensures our customers can see that progress firsthand, speak with our team, and experience the technology that will drive their businesses forward.”
ConExpo runs from 3-7 March 2026 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, with many Northern Ireland crushing and screening OEMs located in key areas including the Silver Lot and Festival Grounds.
