Newry firm creates 94 jobs in £7m expansion
A Newry-based food company is creating 94 new jobs as part of a £7m expansion.
Around Noon produce a wide range of 'food-to-go' meals and wish to expand their GB and ROI markets.
The expansion has been supported by Invest NI, who are providing £592,000 assistance.
Commenting on the investment, Gareth Chambers, CEO of Around Noon, said: “Our goal is to become the UK and Ireland’s leading manufacturer of premium ‘food on the move’.
"We are targeting markets in Great Britain and Republic of Ireland and aim to increase sales outside Northern Ireland by over £13 million per annum over the next couple of years.
“We are investing in management, key staff and business development activities. The support from Invest NI will enable us to realise our growth plans and ensure that the Northern Ireland economy benefits."
The company has experienced rapid growth in recent years, allowing for the expansion.
Welcoming the investment, Grainne McVeigh, Invest NI’s Director of Scaling, said: “Invest NI is keen to support companies with potential to scale, based on a focused export strategy.
“Around Noon took part in our Leadership 4 Growth international transformation programme which has helped its management team develop the skills and strategies that will take the company to the next level.
“As well as supporting some of the jobs created by this investment, we are supporting the implementation of an integrated production management system to enable Around Noon to increase control over production yields, manufacturing processes and inventory.
“Around Noon has grown from a small family business to a company with a multi-million pound turnover and with this investment will be well placed to take advantage of further opportunities in the ‘food-to-go’ market within Great Britain and Ireland.”