Rasharkin-based manufacturing firm Woodland is creating 57 jobs as part of a £4 million investment aimed at doubling the company’s turnover.
The family business, the north's largest kitchen manufacturer, has invested almost £4 million in a state of the art marketing suite in a bid to further establish itself as a major player in the bathroom and kitchen furniture market.
The news comes after the firm secure the lucrative contract manufacture, supply and instal the bedroom and bathroom furniture for the 304 bedroom Grand Central Hotel in Belfast.
As part of the multi-million pound investment the company is recruiting 57 members of staff so that that it can secure lucrative opportunities in its key target markets of Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland. The new positions will generate over £1.1m annually in additional salaries for the local economy.
Managing director of Woodland, Brian McCloskey said the new investment will give the company the additional resources and capabilities needed to implement its ambitious plans for growth.
“After a considerable amount of market research, design concepts and inspiration we are delighted to launch our new Product Development and Marketing suite, which coincides with our thirtieth year in business.
“Our growth strategy in recent years has focused on positioning Woodland as a complete design and solutions provider. As a result, we have made encouraging progress in securing contracts to design, manufacture and supply cabinets to major distributors throughout Great Britain.
“We have also experienced strong growth in the hotel and aparthotel sector for our contracts division by delivering projects in London, Edinburgh and Dublin."
The new investment is being supported by Invest NI, who have offered £471,624 towards the creation of 57 jobs, the upskilling of staff and development of Woodland’s Epicor resource planning software. The new jobs, 30 of which are in place, include production operatives and roles in design, sales and IT.
Invest NI CEO Alastair Hamilton said the new marketing suite will allow Woodland to continue to win new business contracts.
“Woodland is an established manufacturer in Co Antrim, underpinned by a cycle of new product development and design that continually keeps it ahead of its competition."
“Invest NI has been working closely with Woodland to support its growth. Our support has helped the company increase its workforce and grow its exports which in turn is benefitting the local economy. I look forward to watching Woodland’s continued success.”
Founded in 1987, Woodland has established itself as one of the leading manufacturers of kitchen, bedroom and bathroom furniture and previously worked on the Batman movie The Dark Knight Rises. Last year the company swelled its turnover by 28.5 per cent to £12.6 million and also recorded increases revenue, profits and staff numbers based on sales of £10 million.
