A Crossmaglen manufacturing firm is set to double its local workforce as part of a £2.5 million investment in its south Armagh base.
Roco, which builds mobile crushing and screening equipment at its Crossmaglen factory, will create 30 new jobs on the back of strong export growth, taking its headcount there to around 60.
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald visited the plant to announce the expansion, hailing it as a major boost for the town and wider region.
“Roco’s export success shows how local firms can compete on the global stage,” she said.
“This investment will boost productivity, create high-quality jobs in Crossmaglen and help strengthen the local economy, supporting my vision of a more regionally balanced economy.”
The move follows £8 million in export sales secured by the company over the past 12 months. Roco’s hybrid-electric machines, used in the construction, quarrying and recycling sectors to crush and screen materials, are currently sold across Britain and Ireland, the US and European markets.
CEO Shane Connolly said the Crossmaglen factory expansion was key to meeting international demand.
“To grow our business we need to improve the quality of our products and reduce our lead times,” he explained.
“We’ve realised that to do this, we need to expand our facility and our workforce, to bring more assembly production work in-house.
“This will not only improve our efficiencies but also our productivity. We will be able to double the amount of machinery options we offer so that we can attract even more new customers in international markets following our recent export wins.”
Invest NI has offered £210,000 towards the creation of the 30 new roles, which span production, design, finance and sales. Seven positions have already been filled.
Alistair Quinn, Invest NI’s Head of Southern Regional Business, said the agency had been working closely with the Crossmaglen company since 2020 to build its global footprint.
“Since 2020, we have worked in close partnership with Roco to build its capability and unlock international opportunities,” he said.
“Our support for the company to attend AGG1 in the US, and its attendance at the Northern Ireland pavilion at Hillhead contributed towards these impressive export wins.
“It’s great to support the company to double its Crossmaglen workforce now. Along with the support to grow its headcount, our trade team has connected Shane with our in-market teams in the US and Middle East to develop opportunities in Mexico, Europe and Asia. We’re looking forward to seeing where this investment takes the company next.”
