100 Jobs Created At Antrim Car Plant

A Japanese-owned car part manufacturing plant in County Antrim is to create 100 new jobs through a £32m investment.

Ryobi Aluminium Casting (UK) Limited is investing the money in its Carrickfergus plant. The company manufactures aluminium die casting products for the European automotive market.

First Minister Peter Robinson and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness made the announcement today.

The First Minister said: "Ryobi Aluminium Casting (UK), Limited is one of Northern Ireland's longest established inward investors and this latest investment in its only European plant, is a further indication of its commitment to Northern Ireland.

"Today's announcement reinforces the growing global appeal that we have as a great place in which to invest and to grow your business."

The investment is being supported by Invest Northern Ireland, which has offered over £2m of assistance, part funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said: "Today's announcement of 100 new jobs at Ryobi Aluminium Casting will bring the total employed in Ryobi Limited to 386 delivering over £2million a year to the local economy.

"In December we met Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, Ryobi Chairman, Hirsoshi Urakami and Ryobi President, Akira Urakami. These high level meetings provided the platform for us to strengthen government to government relations and attract inward investment. This £32million investment by Ryobi Aluminium Casting Limited presents opportunities for people to earn a living and provide for their families.

"This latest investment by Ryobi Limited follows a £900,000 investment by the company in training also supported by Invest NI demonstrates a commitment to developing our people into a multi-skilled workforce. This investment sends out a clear signal that the north of Ireland is a fantastic location for international businesses."

(IT/JP)