Tributes have been paid to one of the founders of Co Tyrone industrial business Powerscreen who passed away this week.
Lee Mallaghan, originally from Pomeroy, died peacefully at his home in Maynooth, Co Kildare on Monday.
Lee founded the Dungannon -based company in 1966 with partners Pat O'Neill and Paddy Douglas before it was acquired by US company Terex in 1999 and now employs around 1,500 people locally.
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In a statement Powerscreen said Lee was an ‘absolute gentleman’ and that his death was a ‘huge loss’.
“Today is a sad day for the global crushing and screening community, as we learn about the passing of our dear friend Lee Mallaghan,” Powerscreen said.
“Lee was an absolute gentleman and was very well thought of by those who were fortunate enough to have met him.
“As one of the original and founding members of Powerscreen, Lee played an instrumental role in the success of the business and helped to shape the brand as we know it today.
“In the early days of Powerscreen, as well as being a pioneer of mobile screening and global distribution – Lee also wore the title of inventor. Always at the forefront of innovation, he registered a number of successful patents for screening apparatus and assembly in the ‘70s & ‘80s.
“Whilst technology has continued to advance, the fundamentals of Lee’s hard work will continue to play an important role in the crushing and screening industry for many years to come.
“Lee’s passing is a huge loss to the Powerscreen family and everyone at Powerscreen HQ would like to send their sincere condolences to Lee’s close family and friends during this difficult time.”
Mid Ulster manufacturing network MEGA also paid tribute to Lee, describing his impact on the lives of many people in Co Tyrone as 'immeasurable'.
"The Mega network, inclusive of over seventy Manufacturing and Engineering organisations and representing thousands of team members, deeply regret the passing of the highly respected Mr Lee Mallaghan," the group said.
"We fully appreciate the huge contribution made by Lee over many years to the establishment and development of a World Class Engineering sector in our region.
"The hub of global mobile crushing and screening is centred in County Tyrone as a direct consequence of the vision, enterprise and perseverance of Lee and his colleagues, Pat O’Neill and Paddy Douglas.
"These men and others paved the way for the birth and growth of most of the Engineering companies in this area. For that, we are eternally grateful."
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