Business

Ballygowan engineering firm CCP invest £3.5m in major R&D project

Announcing the R&D investment, from left, economy minister Simon Hamilton, Alastair Hamilton, Invest NI and Jim Erskine, CCP Gransden
Announcing the R&D investment, from left, economy minister Simon Hamilton, Alastair Hamilton, Invest NI and Jim Erskine, CCP Gransden Announcing the R&D investment, from left, economy minister Simon Hamilton, Alastair Hamilton, Invest NI and Jim Erskine, CCP Gransden

BALLYGOWAN engineering firm CCP Gransden is planning a major £3.5 million research and development project to improve its manufacturing capability.

The company has a three-year plan to develop new and innovative processes that will enable it to design and manufacture advanced lightweight composite components.

The business makes parts for global sectors including the aerospace and automotive industries.

The plans have been backed by almost £1m of public money.

CCP has invested in a new manufacturing cell which can produce complex advanced composite components.

The cell brings together several processes and its technology allows for high volume manufacturing and bespoke one-off parts.

The R&D project will aim to maximise the cell's potential.

CCP managing director Jim Erskine said the plan "will enable us to deliver high-quality, high-value complex components that will not only meet customer needs, but enable us to win new business in growing markets".

“We’ve already begun up-skilling our current staff, and will be hiring additional staff with technical skills and business knowledge from a variety of sectors," he said.

"The combination of the investment in the cell, a skilled workforce and the ongoing support of our government puts CCP Gransden in an excellent position to grow and develop its business and the reputation of the advanced engineering sector here in Northern Ireland.”

Economy minister Simon Hamilton described CCP as a "great example of a local company recognising the importance of investing in research and development and skills".

“This £3.5m investment by CCP Gransden is part of the company’s continued focus on providing innovative high quality components to compete in the global economy," he said.

"It will enable the company to develop and manufacture a diverse range of composite components utilising its new world class manufacturing facilities with the potential to secure new business across a range of diverse and high value sectors."