FLEXIBOX TO PROVIDE 12 NEW JOBS

FLEXIBOX (NI) is to provide 12 new jobs over the next three years following an investment of £2.5 million as part of a drive to achieve world-class manufacturing and service standards at its Ballymena factory.

Announcing the new investment during a visit to the plant, Mr Derek Lynn, Executive Director of the Industrial Development Board's Industrial Products Division, said: "This investment will further enhance the position of the Ballymena plant within John Crane Division, part of Smiths Group plc which was formed by the merger of Smiths industries plc and TI Group plc, last September.

"The company is a significant engineering employer in the Ballymena area and this investment - which is being backed by an established world leader in the engineering industry - will bring increased benefits to the local economy.

"Within this global corporation there will be opportunities for the Ballymena plant to expand its product portfolio and overall competitive position through its sharp focus on manufacturing efficiency and excellent customer service."

Mr Hubert Dunlop, Ballymena Operations Manager, said: "Our objective is to consolidate our position as the only European manufacturer of standard couplings within the John Crane Group by ensuring that we become a Centre of Excellence providing low-cost, short-lead time products, backed up by reliable on-time delivery.

"The investment includes the latest technology equipment which should lead to ongoing improvements in productivity, in product quality and lower unit costs across our portfolio.

"The overall performance of this plant has been excellent over the years and we have a reputation for highly skilled and easily motivated staff, a standing which influenced the group's decision to locate this very important expansion here in Ballymena.”

Flexibox (Northern Ireland) Ltd has been offered Selective Financial Assistance of £225,000 by IDB towards the costs of this investment.

Originally established in Ballymena in 1957, John Crane Flexibox employs 145 people at the Northern Ireland plant, in the manufacture of engineered sealing systems which include standard couplings, seal kits and components. The products are used in the process, marine and oil recovery industries worldwide.

The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the John Crane Group, part of the Smiths Group Plc, a UK quoted business. The Smiths Group employs 16,500 people worldwide with annual sales in excess of £1.46 billion. (SP)