Tyrone firm wins £6m police body armour contract

A Co Tyrone personal protection equipment firm has been awarded a £6 million (€7

A Co Tyrone personal protection equipment firm has been awarded a £6 million (€7.1 million) contract to supply body armour to the Scottish police.

Hawk Protection, from Co Tyrone, Northern Ireland, will produce bullet and stab-proof vests and other equipment for Scotland's eight forces.

The Fivemiletown-based business, which is part of the Cooneen group, already equips military, police and emergency services across the world.

One of its most notable contracts is with the US army.

Stormont First Minister Peter Robinson and Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster were guests at Hawk Protection to hear the details of the deal announced.

Managing director Eugene Greene said the Scottish contract was a great boost for the company, which employs 110 people.

"I would like to pay tribute to the people who have worked on the project for several years," he said.

"Hawk Protection continues to expand its customer base in the personal protection market after many years of product research and development, backed up by a world-class supply chain and customer-focused staff. "

A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said the Scottish forces were looking forward to working with Hawk Protection in the delivery of this contract.

PA