ANTRIM construction and fit-out firm has been awarded the prestigious contract to fit out Ireland's first luxury sleeper train.
Mivan, which was worked on everything from Disney cruise ships to international sporting stadiums, will be responsible for the transformation of drab former Irish Rail carriages into the plush new Belmond Grand Hibernian.
Worth £2.5 million, the contract will involve 40 craftsmen and 35,000 hours of work before the new 'Irish Orient Express' rolls out of Dublin in August this year.
The project marks an investment of some £6m for Belmond which specialises in top end hotel, rail and river cruise experiences and is the company's seventh luxury train - and the first of its kind for the network, north and south.
Mivan, owned by Brian McConville - who also owns MJM Group - will be tasked with remodelling 10 original carriages into 20 ensuite cabins, two dining cars and an observation car at the company headquarters in Antrim.
The interior has been designed by James Park Associates, who followed a brief to reflect Dublin's Georgian architecture, with inspiration from the Irish countryside.
"We chose to work with Mivan not only for their extensive experience but they have also shared our passion and vision for the Belmond Grand Hibernian," Gary Franklin, managing director of Belmond Trains and Cruises, said.
"It is very important to Belmond that we work with local experts and craftsmen to create a truly authentic train that reflects the spirit of the countries through which it will travel."
Mr McConville, who acquired Mivan in early 2014 and has since grown the workforce to 110 people, said the Hibernian contract was a "significant step" in establishing the Mivan brand with global customers in existing and new markets.
"The Mivan brand is entering a new period of rejuvenation," he said.
"Belmond Grand Hibernian is the latest in a series of enviable recent projects for the company which have also included One Hyde Park and the Bulgari Hotel and Residences in London."
