Business

Lisburn manufacturer Creative Composites to create 132 jobs through £11m expansion

Pictured at the Creative Composites Lisburn factory are managing director, Jonathan Holmes and Alastair Hamilton, chief executive of Invest NI.
Pictured at the Creative Composites Lisburn factory are managing director, Jonathan Holmes and Alastair Hamilton, chief executive of Invest NI. Pictured at the Creative Composites Lisburn factory are managing director, Jonathan Holmes and Alastair Hamilton, chief executive of Invest NI.

A LISBURN-based manufacturer is creating 132 new jobs as part of an £11 million investment in operations.

Plastic fabrication specialists, Creative Composites, whose extensive client list includes some of the biggest names in the automotive industry, has announced the purchase of new state of the art machinery, as well as a major expansion of its Ferguson Drive premises.

The business, which describes itself as the UK’s most advanced composites manufacturer, is adding around 50,000 sq ft of space to its factory floor and creating significant local employment as part of the latest investment.

The new jobs, 69 of which are already in place, will command an average wage of £20,455. They include a mix of; production operatives, engineering and managerial positions and will generate over £2.7m annually in additional salaries for the local economy.

Following the completion of the recruitment drive next year, the Lisburn manufacturer will boast a 377-strong workforce.

Among the new technology installed as part of the investment is the UK’s largest compression mould press, which will further enhance the firm’s position at the leading edge of what can be achieved with composites.

Invest NI has provided £1.5m towards the project, which is part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund under the Investment for Growth and Jobs Programme.

Jonathan Holmes, managing director of Creative Composites explained that growth in the business has been driven by demand within the automotive industry.

He said the latest investment will allow the business to expand into new areas, as well as new international markets.

“The applications for composites are endless and we are focused on expanding our business in key sectors including automotive and rail," he said.

“Invest Northern Ireland’s support was critical to investing in the very best plant and machinery that we need to achieve our ambitions. We are excited about this growth phase in the business and are making good progress with recruiting additional staff to support our continued development.”

Invest NI chief Executive, Alastair Hamilton believes the latest investment will help cement Creative Composites’ position as one the leading manufacturers in its field in the UK.

“This significant investment introduces new technology to Northern Ireland’s advanced manufacturing industry and enhances Creative Composites’ capability to produce high-tech composites for a range of applications," he said.

"In a highly competitive global industry, this commitment to innovation helps to cement Creative Composites’ reputation as one of the leading composites manufacturers in the UK.

“The new jobs are also a great boost for the economy, and with half already in place, are a real demonstration of the company’s growth. We are pleased to be helping this highly-skilled and ambitious local company achieve its growth ambitions.”

Founded in 2000 following a buy out of Boxmore International PLC, Creative Composites works with customers across a diverse range of industries including; automotive, rail, bus and coach, off-highway and medical.

Since its inception the manufacturer has quadrupled the square footage of its Lisburn premises, invested in market-leading plant and equipment, and is home to a growing team of expert professionals, producing components for some of the world’s most-respected brands

The expansion of the firm's Lisburn bases follows a similar investment made by the company in 2015, which brought the factory floor workspace up to 100,000 sq ft in size and included the acquisition of new plant and equipment.