MDS at 30: Building on a Legacy, Engineering the Future
MDS®, a global leader in specialist screening equipment, has recently achieved 30 years in business. What began in a repurposed farm shed in rural Ireland has grown into a globally recognised manufacturer of heavy-duty rock and environmental trommels, machines relied upon in some of the toughest material processing applications. Three decades on, the values that defined those early days, ingenuity, resilience, and a commitment to ‘doing things properly’, remain central to the business as it looks towards the future.
From Rural Roots to Global Recognition
The MDS story began in 1995 when Liam Murray and his wife Una established a small fabrication business aimed at meeting local needs. In those formative years, the couple produced everything from Christmas tree stands to agricultural equipment, GAA turnstiles and robotic systems. The work was diverse, the tools were modest, and the hours were long, but the foundation was built upon practical engineering solutions built to last.
This resourceful spirit set the stage for a major turning point. In 2014, MDS unveiled its first rock trommel, marking a shift from subcontracting to specialised OEM manufacturing. The M515 mobile rock trommel, now a flagship machine, emerged as the embodiment of two decades of hard-earned expertise. Soon, the compact M412 and M413 followed, extending the product line while retaining the original MDS DNA of strength, intelligence, and simplicity.
“With the M515, we realised we had a product the market genuinely believed in,” said Regional Sales Manager Liam Og Murray, who grew up in the workshop and has been part of the brand for much of his life. “That shift fundamentally changed our trajectory.”
A New Era Under Terex
In 2021, MDS entered a new phase with its acquisition by Terex, which amplified its global distribution footprint, particularly across Europe, while creating a platform for accelerated product development.
The M515 was relaunched with key updates to transportability, service access and stockpile capacity. In 2024, the M518R re‑entered the market following a comprehensive redesign tailored to the recycling sector, from composting operations to municipal waste facilities.
Manufacturing capabilities have been significantly upgraded, including a new state-of-the-art paintshop featuring an advanced filtration system. This facility not only supports operator safety and environmental standards but elevates the quality and durability of every machine that leaves the factory.
“The past 30 years have been built on listening—really listening—to our distributors and customers,” said Liam Og. “Their feedback drives our development, and that philosophy will continue to guide MDS into the future.”
New Leadership
Guiding MDS into this next era is newly appointed General Manager, Steven Keenan. Having served as Engineering Manager for the past three years, and with experience spanning engineering, sales and crushing and screening technologies, Steven brings a blend of technical depth and strategic vision.
“As we enter our next chapter, strengthening our global distribution network will be a key focus,” he said. “I’m passionate about expanding our product offering and ensuring MDS continues delivering high‑performance solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers worldwide.”
His leadership marks a renewed emphasis on innovation, sustainability and global growth—priorities that will shape the growth of MDS in the years ahead.
Engineering Tomorrow: New Products for a Changing World
As the industry shifts toward greater sustainability, efficiency and circularity, MDS is responding with new technologies designed for modern challenges.
The M615 Fully Electric Modular Trommel
The M615 is the first fully electric hydraulic modular trommel to be launched by MDS. Capable of processing up to 500 tonnes per hour and handling rock up to 750 mm (30”), it delivers powerful performance with zero engine emissions, lower operating costs and reduced noise. The M615 gives operators a practical way to reduce emissions without compromising the heavy-duty performance their jobs demand.
The Scrap Pro 400: Meeting the Rise in Metal Recovery
With recycling rates climbing and scrap yards facing increasing demand, the Scrap Pro 400 enters the market as a purpose-designed solution for abrasive and high-impact scrap materials. Engineered for reliability, its heavy-duty push feeder, robust drum frame and advanced efficiency features such as auto reverse and variable drum speeds position it as a leader in metal recovery applications.
From Muckaway to Material Recovery
Across construction, demolition and waste sectors, the shift toward resource recovery is accelerating. MDS machines are enabling contractors to rethink how materials are processed, reused and diverted from landfill, turning traditional muckaway into an opportunity for cleaner, greener and more cost‑efficient operations.
Models such as the compact M412 track trommel, the recycling‑focused M518R, and the heavy-duty M515 are helping operators unlock value from historically overlooked materials. Whether dealing with sticky clay-bound waste, biomass, C&D or blasted rock, these machines contribute to safer sites, reduced disposal costs and progress toward sustainability targets.
Celebrating the Past, Investing in the Future
As MDS celebrates its 30-year milestone, the brand has come a long way since its humble beginnings yet is also firmly focused on what lies ahead. With a strengthened product portfolio, a growing global network, improved manufacturing capabilities and a leadership team ready to drive the next stage of growth, MDS will continue to engineer trommels that stand up to the world’s toughest materials, while embracing the technologies, markets and environmental priorities that will define the next 30 years of global material processing.