The manufacturing industry across Northern Ireland has received a huge boost after 30 businesses came together to announce the creation of almost 300 jobs.
The companies such as Linwoods, Marcon Fit-Out, Tailored Image, The Boatyard Distillery, Donite Plastics and Armstrong Medical have all been supported by Invest NI in their endeavours to the tune of £1.9m and are from a broad range of disciplines including food, chemicals, pharmaceutical and transport equipment.
They are investing more than £22m between them, creating about 282 new jobs.
“The event held 15 June to recognise the commitment to growth within the manufacturing industry was an opportunity to highlight some of the investments manufacturing focused businesses are making,” says Alastair Hamilton, chief executive at Invest NI.
“The local firms represented there are from right across Northern Ireland. These investments show real commitment from businesses to invest in the future.
“With investment in new equipment, skills and training, new jobs and export development, it is clear that there is real opportunity for growth in manufacturing.”
Stephen Kelly, chief executive of Manufacturing NI, adds: “Manufacturing plays a huge role in the Northern Ireland economy generating annual sales approaching £20bn, directly employing 80,000 people, supporting production and employment in a wider supply chain and creating jobs and strong communities in every constituency across Northern Ireland. It is encouraging to see the progress and developments being made by firms across all disciplines. Invest NI is offering valuable support to enable these businesses to create highly skilled, well paid jobs and drive innovation and growth in export markets.”
Hamilton pledged that Invest NI would continue to “work closely” with Manufacturing NI to support the promotion and growth of the industry. The investments are already underway with more than 100 of the new jobs in place.
