KILREA firm Hutchinson Engineering has announced plans to create 39 jobs as part of a £2.2 million investment.
The Derry company, which specialises in sub-contract engineering and metal fabrication, is looking to expand into the Republic and Britain.
It currently operates across the transport, materials handling, agriculture, medical and construction sectors.
Set up in 1971 by late Creighton Hutchinson, the company is now led by his sons, Mark and Richard.
Mark Hutchinson said the engineering firm is planning to expand in the areas of coach building, agriculture, and recycling.
It follows investment in new technology including flatbed fibre lasers, which the chief executive said had produced significant time and energy savings for Hutchinson, creating a more sustainable working model.
Mr Hutchinson said the company had received support through Invest NI’s Covid-19 19 productive investment capital grant, with the economic support agency also providing support for the new jobs.
“Creating 39 jobs to increase our capacity will ensure that we can maximise opportunities in the marketplace, such as in Republic of Ireland and Great Britain, and can take full advantage of the efficiencies of our new technologies,” he said.
“Our new expanded team will play a large part in driving our innovation so that we can continue our development of a world-class Industry 4.0 manufacturing environment.”
The new positions include sales, production, fabrication and welder roles at all levels, including apprenticeships. Recruitment is underway with nine people already appointed.
Invest NI’s director of technology, services and scaling said: “Hutchinson Engineering’s growth project will continue to enhance and improve its productivity and competiveness, helping the business to go grow in its new key markets and increase global sales.
“Once in place, the jobs will contribute over £1m additional annual salaries to the economy - great news for the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council area.”
