FM Environmental is to feature in a new ‘fly on the wall’ television series to air on BBC1 in Spring 2006. The series, entitled THE NEXT LEVEL, follows six Northern Ireland companies as they endeavour to develop their businesses on to new plateaus.
FM Environmental was chosen to feature in the series due to its aggressive and ambitious plans to expand its business in several markets. The Company which employs over 60 staff in its offices in Newry, Limerick and Malta had unveiled an ambitious strategy for growth which the programme-makers saw as fitting with the theme and objectives of the series.
FM Environmental provides pumping and wastewater treatment solutions for customers ranging from the DRD Water Service in Northern Ireland to McDonalds restaurants in Russia. Its expertise has been called upon on diverse and complex wastewater treatment projects from the Beka Valley in Lebannon and the tripical highlands of Malaysia to the drainage system at the new Arsenal football stadium. In 2005 the Company embarked on an expansion strategy into the UK and Europe while at the same time consolidating and building on its core businesses in Ireland. It also commenced an ambitious Innovation and Development programme that will see it introducing new processes and products onto the market later in the year.
Filming began in January 2005 and concluded shortly after Christmas. In this time the programme-makers followed the Company to Singapore, Kuala Lumper, London and Malta while cameras and tripods became familiar additions about the workplace. “It was somewhat off-putting at first but after a few months the staff got used to the cameras following them about”, remarked Managing Director Kevin Fitzpatrick, “and it brought a little excitement to an industry not noted for its glamour!”