Ryobi To Invest £32m In Carrickfergus Plant

First Minister the Rt. Hon. Peter D. Robinson MLA and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness have announced Ryobi Aluminium Casting (UK), Limited is to invest £32m in its Carrickfergus plant, creating 100 new jobs.

Japanese owned Ryobi Aluminium Casting (UK), Limited manufactures aluminium die casting products for the European automotive market. This investment is in new machinery to enable it to expand its product range.

Mr Robinson said: "I welcome the £32million investment creating 100 new jobs in Ryobi Limited who are at the forefront of die casting technology.

"Ryobi Aluminium Casting (UK), Limited is one of Northern Ireland's longest established inward investors and this latest investment in its only European plant, is a further indication of its commitment to Northern Ireland. Today's announcement reinforces the growing global appeal that we have as a great place in which to invest and to grow your business."

The major investment by the Japanese owned company is being supported by Invest Northern Ireland, which has offered over £2m of assistance, part funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

Mr McGuinness said: "The announcement of 100 new jobs at Ryobi Aluminium Casting will bring the total employed in Ryobi Limited to 386 delivering over £2million a year to the local economy.

"In December we met Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, Ryobi Chairman, Hirsoshi Urakami and Ryobi President, Akira Urakami. These high level meetings provided the platform for us to strengthen government to government relations and attract inward investment. This £32million investment by Ryobi Aluminium Casting Limited presents opportunities for people to earn a living and provide for their families."

(CD/JP)