Boost for Northern Ireland as a myriad of manufacturing jobs are created for the region.
A total of 30 companies have announced 182 jobs across Northern Ireland in various manufacturing sectors, from food production to pharmaceuticals.
Supported by Invest NI to the tune of £1.9m, these companies will be making a combined investment of more than £22m into the economy.
In total, 282 jobs are being created across the different sectors and will generate more than £6.3m in salaries for the region. So far, job creation has already gotten underway with 100 of these vacancies now filled.
Some of the companies named as part of this initiative include Linwoods in Co Armagh, Marcon Fit Out in Co Antrim, Tailored Image in Co Tyrone, The Boatyard Distillery in Co Fermanagh, Donite Plastics in Co Down and Armstrong Medical in Co Derry.
Welcoming the investments, Stephen Kelly, Manufacturing NI chief executive, said: “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.”
Meanwhile, Invest NI’s chief executive, Alastair Hamilton, added: “Growing and strengthening Northern Ireland’s manufacturing business base is core to our strategy. We continue to focus on growing local businesses, increasing investment and identifying new export opportunities.
“We are working closely with organisations like Manufacturing NI to support the promotion and growth of manufacturing. We have a global reputation in areas such as our advanced manufacturing, materials and engineering sectors.”