Magherafelt's Bloc Blinds Announce £4m Investment Plan

Bloc Blinds in Magherafelt have announced a £4 million expansion plan, including new manufacturing facilities and extensive market development activities to help drive export sales, particularly in Europe and the US.

The expansion plan was announced by Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Jonathan Bell, alongside the news that 93 new jobs would be created by the company over the next two years.

The investment is being supported by Invest Northern Ireland and First Trust Bank.

Minister Bell said: "Bloc Blinds is a growing innovative business and this announcement is welcome news for Magherafelt and the local manufacturing industry. The significant investment in new premises, recruitment of the new staff and increased marketing and development activities will help Bloc Blinds position itself a global player in the window covering market.

"The 93 new manufacturing jobs to be recruited over the next three years will contribute £1.7million annually in additional salaries to the local economy. With full manufacturing and multi skilled training provided to all production employees at Bloc Blinds, this expansion offers attractive roles for those returning to work or seeking alternative employment.

"Invest Northern Ireland's offer of £465,000 is helping this indigenous manufacturer to implement its growth plans quickly so it can maximise opportunities in a worldwide market."

Bloc Blinds specialises in the design and manufacture of window blinds and recently moved into its renovated and extended new premises at Station Road, Magherafelt.

Cormac Diamond, Managing Director of Bloc Blinds, said: "This exciting investment follows encouraging business growth in recent years and underpins our ambition to increase sales particularly in Europe and the US.

"Our new manufacturing facility brings the current Bloc Blind lines under the one roof which will help increase production and operating efficiencies. The support and advice of Invest Northern Ireland so far has been invaluable and its support with this expansion will ensure that we have the resources and skill set in place to achieve our goals."

First Trust Bank is also supporting Bloc Blinds' business development activities. Welcoming the investment and job creation announcement, Edel McCooe, Regional Director, First Trust Bank said: "Bloc Blinds has built up a strong reputation as an innovator due to their clever, precise designs and solutions and this is being reflected in their growing customer base right across the UK, Europe and America. We have supported Cormac and his vision for the company over the last 10 years and we are delighted to back their latest growth and expansion phase which is creating skilled jobs for local people and helping to ensure Northern Ireland's prowess for innovative manufacturing solutions is known world-wide."

(MH)