Antrim company Schrader Electronics is to create 100 new jobs after sealing a multi-million pound deal with Ford motor company.
Schrader Electronics, based in Antrim, is involved in the design and manufacture of tyre pressure monitoring systems for the automotive industry.
Last week, it was announced that more than 100 jobs were to be created in a £29m investment in the firm, in Antrim and Carrickfergus, and is part of the automotive and industrial division of Tomkins.
Schrader Electronics provide Ford’s European vehicles with its sensors, including two of the UK’s most popular passenger vehicles, the Ford Fiesta and Ford Focus, with the potential of another 100 new local jobs.
The technology alerts the vehicle’s driver to a loss in tyre pressure by either a visual or audible alert in the driving compartment.
This is one of the first developments since the new EU regulations were announced, which calls for tyre pressure monitoring equipment to be fitted to all new cars.
“This substantial contract is very welcome news for the Northern Ireland economy and for the UK’s automotive industry. Significant investments in UK businesses by global manufacturers demonstrate the UK’s position as a leader in world-class technology and engineering,” said Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg.
“As well as the positive impact on the regional economy, it is also very pleasing that local people stand to benefit from the deal through new employment opportunities.”
Schrader Electronics’ vice-president of business development, Alfonso Di Pasquale, said, “Ford is a leading automotive manufacturer and we enthusiastically look forward to working with this globally respected brand.”
“Ford is providing its European customers with the state-of-the-art direct technology,” he added.
The company, which created 30 jobs in 2010, already employs between 800 and 900 people at its Antrim and Carrickfergus locations.
