Business

Boeing boss visits factory of Co Down firm Denroy Plastics

Sir Martin Donnelly (fifth from right) visits the Denroy Plastics factory in Bangor, Co Down along with Alliance North Down MP Stephen Farry (fifth from left)
Sir Martin Donnelly (fifth from right) visits the Denroy Plastics factory in Bangor, Co Down along with Alliance North Down MP Stephen Farry (fifth from left)

ONE of the most senior figures in Boeing’s European operations has met with suppliers in Northern Ireland.

Sir Martin Donnelly, president of Boeing Europe and managing director of Boeing's UK and Ireland operations, visited Denroy Plastics in Bangor on Tuesday.

The Co Down engineering firm designs and manufactures thermoplastic components for both civil and military aircraft across the industry.

The visit marked Denroy’s injection moulding technology achieving Boeing qualification.

Speaking yesterday, Sir Martin said “I was delighted to have the opportunity to tour Denroy today to learn more about how the cutting-edge research and work they are doing in Northern Ireland will contribute greatly to Boeing’s products and further expand our network of suppliers across the United Kingdom.”

Kevin McNamee, Denroy’s chief executive, added: “We are absolutely delighted to have gained this approval and are very much looking forward to commencing supply of components to Boeing.

“It is a privilege to have Sir Martin with us today as we have had the opportunity to showcase our engineering capabilities and our pioneering development of thermoplastic structures within the aerospace industry.”

Sir Martin was joined on the tour of Denroy’s factory and engineering centre by John Irwin, managing director of Denroy and Kevin Holland, chief executive of Invest Northern Ireland.

Mr Holland said: “Announcements such as this are a ringing endorsement of Northern Ireland’s aerospace sector which continues to go from strength to strength. This is very positive news for Denroy and a real recognition of its manufacturing capabilities.”