Surface Power Solar Announces EUR20m Distribution Agreement With Moritz Group

An Irish firm who earlier this year launched the world’s most efficient solar hot water panel has agreed a EUR20 million deal to have the breakthrough product distributed throughout the Republic of Ireland.

Surface Power Solar, a developer and manufacturer of solar power products based in Mayo, says it has agreed to supply The Moritz Group with its SP501 Solar Hot Water Collector over a five-year period. The Moritz Group, a leading Irish-based distributor to the construction industry, employs more than 180 people in Ireland and a further 100 people indirectly through its various interests.

Commenting on the link-up with The Moritz Group, Surface Power founder John Quinn said: “The Moritz Group have an established distribution system and have approached the market in a professional way seeking out the best technologies, backed up with training options and support. The company’s history of customer satisfaction and industry recognition makes for a valued partner. We look forward to building a relationship that will help drive growth and jobs for both companies in 2009.” “This agreement provides us with a solid distribution channel in Ireland enabling us to completely focus on our expansion efforts. Surface Power Solar has already achieved product approval in over 25 countries and expects to add the USA, Canada and Australia over the coming months”, added Mr. Quinn.

Moritz Trading Director Dennis O’Connor said: “The Moritz Group was determined to secure distribution rights to what we believe is the most effective solar hot water product in the market. We recognise that solar technology is constantly evolving, and innovative and high performance solutions like the SP501 Solar Hot Water Collector system are necessary for us to stay competitive in this industry. The extensive certification, ground breaking performance and R&D that went into the solar hot water collector designed for the Irish climate give us confidence to distribute the product to our customers.”

Two held following drug raids

Gardaí have arrested two people following the seizure of heroin, ecstasy and cannabis during a series of raids in south Dublin yesterday evening.

An undisclosed quantity of cash was also seized during the operation, reports breakingnews.ie. A man in his 50s and a woman in her 20s are being questioned following the raids.

Gardaí say the drugs seized had a potential value of around €350,000.

Annual Review Highlights Importance Of Agri-Food Sector To Economy Says Killeen

The newly published Annual Review and Outlook for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food 2008/2009 highlights the importance of the agri-food sector to the Irish economy.

That is according to Junior Agriculture Minister Tony Killeen T.D. who pointed out that the indigenous strengths of the sector were evident from the report, which states that the sector accounts for 6.6% of GDP, 8.5% of employment, and EUR8.1 billion in exports.

Minister Killeen said: “The report indicates that Irish raw materials and services account for a significantly higher proportion of expenditure within the food and drink sector (70%) than for the manufacturing sectors as a whole. Moreover, 44% of food and drinks companies are located in the BMW regions compared with 30% of other manufacturing industries. In addition, the report shows that the wider biosector contributes approximately one-third of the net flow of funds into the economy generated by manufacturing exports.”