A DUNGANNON manufacturer has created 16 jobs as part of ambitious plans to grow its UK operations.
Woodmarque has announced the major expansion, which includes investment in new equipment, as part of growth plans aimed at tripling turnover within the next two years.
The 16 new roles recruited at the business over the last 12 months include sales managers, CAD technicians, production managers, buyers, surveyors, apprentices and sales and administration positions.
The family business, founded in 1977, specialises in the design and manufacture of internal door sets and specialist joinery for commercial projects throughout the UK.
Woodmarque works alongside some of the UK’s leading contractors and architects, and is currently involved in the Lyon Square apartments in London with a renowned major British house-builder.
Managing director Brian Quinn said: “We have ambitious sales targets over the next four years and are focused on positioning the business as a complete design and solutions provider.
“Investing in new state of the art equipment and recruiting additional staff gives us the skills, experience and capability to compete for and deliver high value contracts in our target markets.
"We are delighted with the feedback among our customers and hope this will leverage further business in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland.”
To facilitate the firm's growth in the British market Invest NI has offered £90,000 to Woodmarque to support the recruitment of eight of the new jobs that will generate £248,000 annually to the local economy in additional salaries.
Executive director of business and sector development at Invest NI Jeremy Fitch added: “Woodmarque operates in a niche area of our manufacturing industry and is committed to innovation to drive its future growth."
Focused on growing its customer base in Britain and the Republic the company has attended Invest NI Meet the Buyer visits which has helped it identify new customers. A recent contract with a major British house-builder was secured as a result of introductions made at one of these events.
“Working closely with Invest NI the business has benefited from technical advice, employment, leadership training and marketing support over recent months," he added.
