A LIMAVADY firm that makes therapeutic seating has won a contract to supply chairs to military veterans in the United States.
Seating Matters secured the order with the Veterans Association (VA) - the world's largest healthcare system.
The chairs are designed for those who would spend long periods of time sitting and bring comfort and support to cater for the more basic to the most complex seating needs.
They have undergone a two-year long clinical trial with Ulster University which showed they can help reduce ailments such as pressure ulcers, saving millions in medical costs annually.
The company said the process of securing the contract "was rigorous, competitive and involved close product analysis".
The VA caters for more than 1,200 healthcare facilities serving more than 8.9 million veterans each year.
Anyone who has served in the US forces is entitled to healthcare paid for by the US government.
Seating Matters managing director Martin Tierney said it was "an absolute honour for us to provide the best possible seating to enhance the lives of veterans through the VA".
"Our chairs have been helping patients with lower or no mobility in nursing homes and hospitals in the UK and Ireland for many years and it is great to know that we can now help people with similar needs across the US.
"This is the biggest healthcare system in the world and we have got the contract to supply all therapeutic chairs for them from both our Northern Ireland and American offices. This means the use of our chairs will continue increasing around the world and this is really positive for the business.”
Seating Matters, set up eight years ago, has offices in the UK, United States, Canada and Australia.
The chairs were designed by Martina Tierney, an occupational therapist of more than 30 years, who wanted to meet the needs of her patients in Northern Ireland.
DUP MP Gregory Campbell said the contract represented "a huge achievement for a local company making them the only Northern Ireland firm with a contract to supply the Veterans Health Administration".
"It demonstrates that businesses here in Northern Ireland can produce world-class products that can compete and win on the global stage," he said.
"The company are a shining example of how innovation and quality are key. Whilst we often hear about countries such as China undercutting in terms of cost, Seating Matters have shown how research and quality can ensure success."
