A Portadown-based engineering firm has announced plans to almost double its workforce following a £6.9m investment.
Boyce Precision Engineering confirmed the recruitment drive as it unveiled its new 18,000 sq ft manufacturing facility at Charlestown Road Industrial Estate on Monday.
Invest NI, which has supported the expansion, said the 27 new manufacturing jobs to be recruited by 2022 will generate over £800,000 in additional annual salaries for the economy.
Built on a site purchased from the economic support agency, the multi-million pound investment is part of a five-year project to increase its workforce, manufacturing capabilities and grow international sales.
Boyce Precision Engineering specialises in producing machined precision component parts for the aerospace interiors and pharmaceutical sectors.
This includes manufacturing, machine prototyping and tool and mould production.
Speaking at the official opening of the factory Brian Boyce, joint managing director of the company, said: “This is an exciting time for us at Boyce Precision Engineering as we begin the next stage of our journey.
“This major investment will help us to meet our strategic growth plans and boost sales in external markets, particularly in the aerospace and pharmaceutical sectors.
“Invest NI’s support towards expanding our premises and acquiring specialist machinery has been key to increasing our production capability and capacity, taking the business to a whole new level.”
Invest NI said it offered Boyce Precision Engineering over £600,000 towards the construction of its new factory, purchase of machinery, job creation and staff training.
Welcoming the news, Invest NI’s chief executive Alastair Hamilton said: “This major investment by Boyce Precision Engineering is a positive endorsement of the strength of Northern Ireland’s manufacturing capabilities.
“Today’s factory opening marks an exciting new chapter for the company.
“This new facility and the creation of 27 high-value skilled jobs is encouraging news for the Portadown area.
“Our support towards this project will ensure that the company has the additional resources it needs to expand and capitalise on its growing reputation as a high quality manufacturer and supplier of machined component parts.”