South Korean company, Advanced Digital Technology (ADT) is to manufacture digital set top boxes (STB) in Downpatrick.

The £2.8 million investment, which is expected to provide 70 new jobs over the next three years, was announced by Sir Reg Empey, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment, at the site of the Korean company’s new manufacturing base, with President DH Kim of ADT and Dave Kang, ADT Europe Managing Director, in Down Business Park, Downpatrick.

Sir Reg said: “This investment represents a major strategic move by the company into the manufacture of its range of products for existing and potential European customers. It anticipates significant growth fuelled by the steadily developing focus on digital technology within consumer electronics, a key target industry for IDB.

“ADT’s decision is also excellent news for Downpatrick, in particular, and will provide opportunities for many long term unemployed in the area to gain new skills in an ambitious and growth focused company determined to become a major supplier within the digital STB marketplace.

“The company’s commitment to R&D should provide opportunities for technology transfer from the Korean parent and ADT Europe expects to enhance the R&D role for Northern Ireland in the further development of its products.

“This investment announcement is also a tangible demonstration of the benefits of co-operation between government departments and local authorities. Down District Council and local community representatives are to be congratulated in their efforts in working with us in promoting this area as a viable investment location,” added Sir Reg.

ADT President DH Kim said the company had considered several potential locations for the investment and decided in favour of Northern Ireland because of the region’s expertise in electronic assembly and the strong work ethic of the local workforce.

Mr Kang said ADT had also been impressed by the research expertise in electronics at Queen’s University and the University of Ulster.

ADT is an R&D-driven company with a track record in the development of highly innovative STBs including a world ‘first’ combining STB and DVD technologies.

The firm currently supplies set top boxes, for marketing under other manufacturers’ brand names as well as under its own brand name, to a number of major European manufacturers and customers.

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