Local firm wins major contract with support from Invest NI

Moira based firm McMullen Architectural Systems Ltd, has won a prestigious £13 million contract as part of the redevelopment of The Arsenal’s Highbury Stadium, in London.

The new development is a collection of studios, apartments and penthouses set within the Art Deco surroundings of the former Stadium.

The company which designs, manufactures and installs architectural aluminium curtain walling and window frames has been selected as a sub-contractor for Sir Robert McAlpine.

A leading UK building and civil engineering firm, Sir Robert McAlpine, (which is negotiating the contract for the construction of the 2012 Olympic Stadium) is responsible for delivering the overall £200m project.

McMullen Architectural System’s success follows a recent three year investment programme by the company worth over £2 million and has also secured significant new business in England, where it now carries out most of its work.

It has increased its number of employees from 110 to 175, and expects to employ over 200 within a year.

Commenting on the company’s recent success, Ted McMullen, Managing Director said: “Winning this contract is a direct result of the time, money and effort the team here has put into developing our business and improving our performance. By investing in people, plant and production processes we have been able to beat off tough competition and secure lucrative new contracts. We have an excellent reputation for delivering a quality product on time, which is a reflection of the attitude and capabilities of our staff.

“We now plan to capitalise upon this momentum and target the US and other overseas markets as well as consolidating our position as a leading façade supplier throughout these islands.”

Over the last three years Invest Northern Ireland has provided a wide range of holistic support and financial assistance packages to McMullen to help the company compete more effectively in the global market place.

Congratulating the company on its decision to expand and specifically on winning the Highbury contract Jeremy Fitch, Managing Director of Business International with Invest NI said: “Only by stretching its capability and targeting new export markets will companies like McMullen Architectural Systems Ltd be able to achieve greater sales and profitability.

“The company has managed to successfully diversify its customer and product range and penetrate new markets which will help safeguard jobs and stimulate further growth.”

Invest Northern Ireland works with individuals, companies and organisations in manufacturing and tradable services which show the ambition and commitment to grow by being more innovative, more entrepreneurial and more internationally focused.

Its resources are focused on assisting our clients to improve competitiveness, increase innovation, promote a stronger international focus and create more positive attitudes to enterprise.

(EF)