An Antrim-based MDF architectural mouldings manufacturer has been named Ireland champion in an international environmental awards.

SAM Mouldings won the prize in the Green Apple Environment Awards 2003 at the House of Commons for its installation of a combined heat and power plant. Company owners Sam and Julienne McCrea were at the event, run by the Green Organisation, to pick up the award.

The £500,000 plant was installed during 2001 in response to continuous growth and the resulting increase in waste sawdust and electricity consumption.

&#8220This was the first time SAM Mouldings has entered an environmental award and we are delighted to have been chosen as Ireland champion”

Sam McCrea, SAM Mouldings

It provides all heating for offices, factory and paint drying processes, as well as generating up to 160kW of electricity per hour. It is expected to eliminate the need to dispose of 20,000 tonnes of MDF dust during a five-year period.

Mr McCrea said: “This was the first time SAM Mouldings has entered an environmental award and we are delighted to have been chosen as Ireland champion.”