QUARRY and mineral processor Kilwaughter has opened its new £1.75 million headquarters in Larne.
I's the latest step of an ambitious post-pandemic growth strategy for Kilwaughter, a leader in the UK construction and agriculture sectors and which employs more than 200 staff.
Earlier this year it invested £450,000 in production operations, creating 17 jobs, and increased the headcount of its R&D team as part of a longer-term £3.4m strategic investment in innovation.
The 9,000 sq ft hub at the company’s 75-acre Larne site will connect to Kilwaughter’s thriving R&D facility and previously opened Centre of Excellence, which focuses on innovative product development and customer training respectively.
The new building also includes open-plan office space for more than 50 employees and multiple meeting rooms and break-out areas to further enhance employee collaboration and cohesion.
Kilwaughter Minerals chief executive Gary Wilmot said: “We continually strive to invest in facilities and operations that will deliver benefit for both our customers and our employees, and our new building is testament to that commitment.
“It will not only energise staff as they find themselves working in purpose-built surroundings, but will also serve as the home for harvesting ideas and developing new products that will enhance our market leading position and ensure we continue to deliver excellence to our customers.”
Speaking at the official opening, Mid and East Antrim mayor William McCaughey said: “Kilwaughter is not only a key employer here in this borough, but a catalyst for growth in the wider Northern Ireland economy.
“I'm thrilled to see it continue its investment in its facilities for the benefit of employees and customers alike, and look forward to seeing what it will achieve here in the future.”
