From a repurposed farm shed in rural Ireland to a globally recognised brand. This is the industrial journey of MDS, a specialist manufacturer of heavy-duty trommels and screening equipment, now part of the Terex group, which has just marked its 30th anniversary.
The business was launched in 1995 by Liam and Una Murray, initially focused on producing Christmas tree stands, custom metalwork, and small engineering projects for local customers. Over time, MDS broadened its manufacturing activities, introducing turnstiles for local GAA facilities, robotic systems, and agricultural equipment, building a reputation for practical solutions and clever engineering. A turning point came in 2014 with the development of the first MDS rock trommel, the M515. This product marked a clear shift from subcontracting and farm equipment to the design and manufacture of specialist screening solutions.
“MDS was no longer just a fabrication shop. We had a product with a market that believed in it. The shift to rock trommels led to substantial growth for MDS between 2015 and 2020 and ultimately laid the groundwork for our relationship with Terex”.
said Liam Og Murray, son of founder Liam Murray and Regional Sales Manager for MDS.
Since 2021, MDS has operated under the Terex umbrella, a move that marked the beginning of a new phase of expansion. The acquisition strengthened the company’s resources and accelerated its global reach. In particular, the distribution network has grown substantially, especially across Europe, opening up access to new markets and customers.
Alongside this commercial growth, product development has remained a strategic priority. The flagship M515 trommel was relaunched with a range of upgrades aimed at improving transportability, ease of maintenance, and stockpiling efficiency. In 2024, the M518R made its return after a complete redesign, now better suited for small to medium-sized operations handling compost, biomass, and municipal waste. On the production side, MDS has invested in significant facility improvements. The most notable is a new paintshop equipped with an advanced filtration system, ensuring cleaner air, a safer working environment, and a superior machine finish.
A 30th anniversary that celebrates the company’s dedication and enthusiasm as it enters its next phase of development.
“I want to congratulate the entire MDS team on reaching this fantastic milestone,” said Steven. As we enter our next chapter, my focus will be on strengthening our global distribution network so that our renowned models can deliver even greater impact across international markets.”
said Steven Keenan, recently appointed General Manager, following four years as a Design Engineer at Terex Omagh and a period as a Sales Engineer at Poclain Hydraulics.
“I’m excited to lead the team into this next phase of growth. With a deep engineering background and a genuine passion for innovation, I’m committed to driving forward our technology and expanding our product offering to meet the evolving needs of our customers”.
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