A COLERAINE-based engineering firm has announced 155 new jobs as part of a £9.5m expansion plan.
Maine Surface Finishing, which specialises in powder coating, wet paint spraying and in-house fabrication, has already recruited 40 people as part of the investment programme. Another 115 jobs are expected to be created over the next two years.
The company said the jobs will be based at its facility within the Invest NI-owned Wattstown Business Park in Coleraine.
Maine Surface Finishing also operates from Dunloy, Garvagh and Magherafelt.
Invest NI has offered the firm £1.5m toward its growth drive.
Speaking at the Coleraine factory on Friday, Economy Minister Diane Dodds said the jobs will eventually provide £3.8m in annual salaries.
“This significant investment by Maine Surface Finishing marks an exciting development in the company’s 20 year history and is extremely positive news for Northern Ireland’s manufacturing industry.
“The investment is testament to Maine Surface Finishing’s commitment to the Coleraine area. It will also strengthen the company’s position as an important player within Northern Ireland’s materials handling sector, providing key supply chain services to some of our leading exporters.”
The new jobs will include highly skilled engineers, fabricators, welders and administrative roles.
Company director Adrian Dixon said: “We are delighted to be expanding our operations in Coleraine and working with Invest NI to support 155 jobs for the local economy. Our investment will include the purchasing of state of the art equipment, the development of two new units in Wattstown Business Park and the introduction of a new ICT system so we can effectively manage projected growth.
“Whilst we already have a strong position supplying many of Northern Ireland’s original equipment manufacturers, this investment will enable us to improve our efficiency, ramp up production and pursue identified opportunities in GB and ROI.”
New Invest NI chief executive, Kevin Holland, said the economic support agency has had a long-standing relationship with Maine Surface Finishing, providing advice and guidance along with financial support.
“We are pleased to be supporting Maine Surface Finishing to create over 150 jobs in the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council area,” he said.
“The company’s strategic focus on innovation is allowing it to make its largest investment to date, expand its customer base and significantly increase its turnover.”
Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald said the jobs will help transform the economy of Coleraine and the wider north west.
“The new jobs will be highly skilled and well paid and will provide opportunities for young people to get involved in the manufacturing sector.”
