Manufacturing & Supply Chain

Invest Northern Ireland is supporting the Cookstown firm with £1.3m.

Speaking following a visit to the company’s headquarters, First Minister Arlene Foster said: “This is an extremely positive investment of over £6.8million from the world’s premier provider of specialist washing systems in important sectors including construction and mining. This multi-million pound expansion will support CDE as it looks to further develop its customer base in international markets.

“Growing and strengthening our indigenous manufacturing sector is a priority for the Northern Ireland Executive and Invest NI’s support for this project will ensure CDE has the resources it needs to full realise its export potential. The company’s six year growth strategy, when fully implemented, will see 110 new jobs created in Cookstown across a range of graduate and experienced roles.

“I commend CDE for its continued investment in Northern Ireland and look forward to its continued success across global markets.”

The deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness said: “This investment signals CDE’s continued commitment to Cookstown and its confidence in the local workforce. CDE is a first class engineering company successfully exporting their innovative bespoke materials across the world. It is an excellent example of how the capabilities of our local manufacturing sector can be developed for international success.

“The roles will offer a range of quality opportunities as they cover a variety of disciplines in manufacturing, research & development, marketing and engineering. Once in place, the 110 new roles will generate almost £2.5million annually in additional salaries to the local economy.”

Enterprise Minister Jonathan Bell added: “Invest NI’s ongoing relationship with CDE has supported the company to achieve sustained growth across the globe. Its latest investment sends out a strong message of confidence in Northern Ireland’s materials handling sector.”

CDE currently employs 201 people with 172 based at the company’s headquarters in Cookstown, Co. Tyrone.

Brendan McGurgan, CDE’s Managing Director, added: “This is an important investment for CDE as we look to progress our longer term growth strategy by focusing on new business particularly in the USA and Europe. The CDE vision is to be the number one wet processing equipment company in every country in the world and expanding our facilities and workforce in Cookstown underpins this ambition.

“Invest NI’s support, along with the availability of skills, were key factors in securing this investment in Cookstown. We are delighted with our growth here to date and remain committed to achieving our future goals.”

Headquartered in Cookstown, CDE also has operations in the USA, Brazil, Australia and Asia.

Invest Northern Ireland has offered over £1.3million towards the company’s expansion plans which include constructing a factory extension as well as a new head office building to accommodate the expanding workforce at CDE.