ANTRIM-based commercial print firm W&G Baird has invested more than £4 million in a highly specialised technology leading printing press, folding machines and binding line.
The cash injection, backed by Bank of Ireland UK, will enable the company to increase productivity and capitalise on the potential for growth in export markets across the Republic of Ireland and in Britain.
"We already operate the largest print room on the island, but the installation of this new press and binder will enhance our already considerable capacity and maintain our position as an innovator in the industry," managing director Patrick Moffett said.
W&G Baird prints a wide range of digital and lithographic products, ranging from leaflets to coffee table books and folders to magazines.
The investment represents the latest technology in sheet fed printing and maintains the company’s position at the forefront of the industry in terms of both quality and environmental responsibility in Ireland.
W&G Baird employs 95 staff at its main site in Antrim and has sales offices in Dublin and Nottingham. It is the first business in the UK and Ireland to invest in this new equipment.
Gavin Kennedy, director of business banking for Bank of Ireland in the north, said: "We are pleased to have supported W&G Baird - with whom we have a long-standing relationship - in funding this investment.
"It demonstrates our continuing commitment to helping companies with a proven track record, quality management team and a focus on growth. It’s a great example of a business delivering growth through innovation and we look forward to continuing to work with the company to deliver on this."
Last year, along with the British Irish Chamber of Commerce and Trinity Business School, Bank of Ireland UK launched the Trinity International Growth Programme to support SMEs wanting to scale and grow their business to international markets, and Patrick Moffett will participate on the programme."
