Business

Bread firm to create 100 new jobs

SOUTH Derry bread firm McErlain's Bakery is to create 100 new production jobs over the next two years as part of a £1.4 million government-backed expansion.

The Magherafelt company - run by six brothers who are all bakers - produces breads and pastries under the Genesis Crafty brand.

It also supplies products to large multinationals across Britain and the Republic for sale under the retailers' own brand.

McErlain's, which has been in business since 1968, says it has already created 35 of the new jobs.

The remaining 65 jobs - which will bring the company's total staff numbers to 285 - will be created over the next two years, and as well as its recruitment drive, the bakery will also invest in a new plant and machinery and extend its product development area.

McErlain's has been awarded £352,000 by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Develop ment towards the investment.

In addition to marketing support of £53,888 to help it recruit a new brand manager and account manager, Invest NI has also offered McErlain's assistance totalling more than £60,000 during the past three years to support its business development activities.

Enterprise, trade and investment minister Arlene Foster, on a visit to the plant yesterday, said: "Bakery is a well-established and intensely competitive sector so this investment is very welcome news for the food industry, a key contributor to Northern Ireland's economy.

"The 100 new jobs being created as part of McErlain's long-term development strategy is a positive boost for the local community in Magherafelt.

"This demonstrates McErlain's clear desire to innovate and grow its sales outside Northern Ireland and also highlights the executive's commitment and cross-departmental approach to support the development of local businesses."

Managing director Brian McErlain said: "We recognise the need to further expand our sales beyond Northern Ireland and have focused on developing new innovative products and enhancing our branding, sales and marketing in a bid to secure new export business."