CREPE WEAVERS INVEST £1.7M IN MODERNISATION

NEWTOWNARDS company Crepe Weavers is to invest almost £1.7 million in a modernisation and improvement programme at its Comber Road factory.

Announcing the IDB backed investment, IDB deputy Chief Executive Lawson McDonald said: "This is an example of an innovative and forward thinking company that has recognised the need to adapt to new markets for it to succeed. To become more competitive it has identified new processes and technologies that will help give it the edge on its main business competitors and help increase future market share.

"The company's approach is fully consistent with the action plan for the industry identified by Kurt Salmon which recommended a sharper focus on the application of new technologies for higher value products.

Mr McDonald said this was a significant investment in an area of Northern Ireland that has been blighted by major job losses over the last few years. The company-driven initiative was designed to provide a more stable and productive future for the current employees in the Newtownards factory.

Crepe Weavers has been in Newtownards for more than 50 years and despite a short period of uncertainty in the early 1980s is regarded as a productive and innovative company that manufactures nylon and polyester fabrics for sale throughout the world. (MB)