CONSTRUCTION firm Mivan is back in growth mode - and boasting a bulging order book - less than three years after it was rescued from administration.
And the high-end fit-out company's resurgence was applauded by First Minister Arlene Foster during a visit to its Antrim plant, where she was taken on a tour of the facilities and also presented certificates to newly-qualified apprentices.
Mivan, which had worked on providing the finishing touches for palaces, cruise ships and luxury apartments around the world, ceased trading in January 2014 after nearly 40 years in business.
But within days it was bought over by Newry firm MJM Group, whose chairman Brian McConville vowed to restore it to its former glory and "create the biggest specialist joinery firm in Europe".
First Minister Foster welcomed the growth of Mivan, which is celebrating the recruitment of 65 additional team members (55 were recruited with the help of a £495,000 support offer from Invest NI) and a strong forward order book stretching into 2018.
Owner Brian McConville briefed the First Minister on a 50 per cent year-on-year growth in the company’s turnover in 2016 and shared plans to continue that pace of growth into the future.
Ms Foster said: “Mivan is an internationally renowned company and its resurgence to competitiveness with a healthy order book is a tremendous result for the manufacturing business and positive news for Antrim town and Northern Ireland.
“Invest NI is working closely with the business to support the generation of much needed employment opportunities in the area. I welcome the recruitment of 65 new jobs which will generate £1.8m in additional salaries and give Mivan the resources required to secure valuable new business.
“Mivan has a long established reputation and was renowned for its export success. I commend Brian McConville and his entire team and look forward to the company’s continued growth.”
Brian McConville said the company, which directly employs more than 160 people, has positive growth plans for the next five years.
“Projects secured this year exceed £25m, giving us a strong order book for 2017 and beyond,” he said.
“We are confident that the business is on a secure and sustainable position to attract further orders from customers in line with our development plan.
“We have been recruiting, and investing in, people and facilities to help deliver Mivan’s secured orders and the team is committed to developing business in our fit out land and marine target markets.”
Mivan has just completed a £2.5m contract to fit out the Belmond Grand Hibernian luxury train, a first for Mivan and Northern Ireland. Current projects are in diverse locations such as Great Britain, Puerto Rico, Grand Bahamas, Spain and the Galapagos Islands.
During her tour of the facility, Mivan chief executiveNeil Ward invited the First Minister to present certificates to five apprentices who have just completed their 1st year qualification. The company currently has 12 apprentices in wood occupations and metal fabrication, along with five trainees in estimating, design and contract management.
“Invest NI’s funding is helping Mivan provide jobs for Antrim and the wider area,” he said.
“We are committed to offering secure employment which will help Mivan deliver current and future orders, alongside offering solid opportunities for career development.”
