MANUFACTURING FIRM TO INVEST £2M WITH INVEST NI SUPPORT
A packaging manufacturing company is to invest more than £2m in skills development at its West Belfast and Antrim facilities, with the firm having been backed by Invest NI.
Huhtamaki Foodservice Delta The company specialises in the design, printing and manufacturing of printed, folded carton packaging, primarily for fast food and retail outlets, including McDonald’s, KFC, Kellogg’s, Nestlé, and Nando’s.
The investment across its West Belfast and Antrim facilities will focus on training its staff in using its new machinery to help it capitalise on the paper-based packaging market.
Ciaran Doherty, general manager at Huhtamaki, said: “We’ve always recognised that to remain competitive, we need to constantly be innovating.
“As part of our growth plans, we are aiming to increase our product offering of sustainable, recyclable packaging to include paper wraps, bags and tubs, to support customer demand.
“To do this, we are upskilling our staff in team management and how to optimise the new machinery. This will help our business to innovate and expand in identified target markets, as we can react quickly to new business opportunities, and boost team morale and confidence.”
Invest NI has a long-standing relationship with Huhtamaki, offering advice and job support – most recently supporting the opening of its Antrim facility and its plans to create 100 new jobs. It has offered the company more than £760,000 towards the training of its team.
Kevin Holland, chief executive of Invest NI, said: “As we look towards rebuilding our economy, it is crucial that businesses can develop the skills they need to remain competitive and to grow.
“Over the years, Invest NI has assisted Huhtamaki as it has built up its presence in Northern Ireland and we are pleased to support the next stage of its growth. By upskilling the team and expanding its product offering, it is investing in its people and in the future of the company.”
The investment was announced by minister for the economy Diane Dodds.
She added: “Skills development is not only vital for sustaining business competitiveness, but it is even more essential now as we support business recovery and revive the economy. it is essential that our companies and labour market are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need for the journey ahead.”
Reference: www.insidermedia.com
