DUNLOY-based construction firm Dixons Contractors almost doubled turnover in its last full trading year as it targets new business and sectors outside Northern Ireland.
The family-owned business, started in 1979, has just completed the £7 million Academy of Sport and Wellbeing at Perth College in the Scottish Highlands.
That adds to and number of design, construction and refurbishment projects at home, including an extension of the La Mon Hotel in Belfast and construction of new corporate facilities at Down Royal, and it is currently building a new sports academy for Rainey Endowed school in Magherafelt.
It comes as Dixons' turnover in the 12 months to last March soared by 85 per cent from £12.3 million to £22.9 million, while its employee numbers rose from 55 to 77 (indeed the payroll has grown further since those figures were filed at Companies House).
Dixons Contractors says the delivery of the major Perth development underlines its national reputation in designing and constructing first-class facilities and projects across the UK.
The structure not only includes a multi-purpose sports hall with seating for 400 spectators, spacious gyms and dance and fitness studios, but also facilities for hairdressing and beauty therapy students and a state-of-the-art climbing centre, the only one of its kind in the Perth & Kinross region.
Dixons, which continues to trade in profit, met an aggressive time-line and completed the Perth College project in just over a year and within budget.
Opening in time for the current academic year, students, staff and the wider community have already begun enjoying the purpose-built academy, which contributes greatly to the culture of health and wellbeing.
Dixons managing director Declan McKendry said: “We're delighted to deliver our expertise and quality services to projects in Ireland and across the UK from our roots and headquarters in Northern Ireland.
"The design and build project at Perth was a tremendous development to be part of, where we delivered a modern building designed to be fully inclusive and accessible. We are extremely proud of what we have achieved and the facility is a great asset to the college in the future.”
Jackie MacKenzie, vice-principal of finance and estates at Perth College UHI, added: “Dixons Contractors demonstrated a real commitment to working in partnership with the college, listened to us and were proactive in offering suggestions and professional advice. The team delivered everything they promised and more.
"It has hugely contributed to the Perth area, enabling an expansion in our curriculum and providing educational facilities for many, from school groups to Masters and PhD students.”
