A NORTHERN Ireland social enterprise is creating 50 jobs a new Co Antrim recycling centre.
Ulster Supported Employment Ltd (Usel), which helps find work for people with disabilities and long term health conditions, has opened a new 25,000 sq ft facility in Ballymena as part of continued growth into the recycling sector.
The new venture will expand the company’s recycling capacity by 50 per cent to 1,500 tonnes of material annually, as well as create 50 jobs over the next three years, 20 of which will be in place in 2019.
The centre operates a circular economy business model, recycling mattresses, carpets, furniture, plastics, cardboard and waste electrical products. It is the only carpet recycling business in the island of Ireland and the only mattress recycling business in Northern Ireland.
Usel CEO, Bill Atkinson said the new centre will help more people with disabilities or health conditions into employment.
"The past year has seen continued growth in our products and services and this new centre will enable us to expand our recycling operations and create 50 more jobs," he said.
The expansion into Ballymena has been supported by The Gallaher Trust, an independent charity set up following the closure of the JTI tobacco factory in 2017.
The Trust promotes job creation and skills development in the Ballymena and is responsible for allocating a £5m legacy fund gifted by JTI to support the local community.
Greg McKinley, director of operations for The Gallaher Trust added:
“We are delighted to support Usel in creating 50 new jobs within the Ballymena Area. The Trust was established for the benefit of our local community and it is really great to be a part of such an exciting initiative.”
From its headquarters in Cambrai Street in North Belfast and offices in Portadown, Derry, Omagh and Ballymena, Usel runs a manufacturing, recycling and employability business.
The company manufactures bespoke kit and carry bags for UK emergency services, high quality mattresses and beds and vintage, hand-stitched leather bags. It also provides a range of products for the aerospace, transport, technology and medical sectors.
Usel supported more than 900 people to find or sustain employment in the north last year.
