Business

Heating firm creating 23 jobs to keep up with new trends

Pictured, left, is Damian McAuley, Invest NI, with Connell McMullen, Alternative Heat announcing the expansion
Pictured, left, is Damian McAuley, Invest NI, with Connell McMullen, Alternative Heat announcing the expansion Pictured, left, is Damian McAuley, Invest NI, with Connell McMullen, Alternative Heat announcing the expansion

CASTLEWELLAN firm Alternative Heat is creating 23 new jobs as it grows its manufacturing facilities in an expansion backed by public money.

Alternative Heat wants to win bigger contracts for biomass boilers, service and maintenance of biomass boilers and open loop heat pump solutions.

Invest NI has offered the company £85,000 to develop its site at Burrenreagh Road, Castlewellan.

Alternative Heat specialises in the design, supply, installation, commissioning and service of renewable heating systems.

The company's managing director Connell McMullen said: “We have continued to review the renewable industry throughout Ireland and the UK over the past 10 years and have developed our systems in line with industry demands to ensure we are best placed to increase our market share and build a platform for sustained growth.

“The investment to expand our warehouse and yard facilities with support from Invest NI will allow us to effectively manage the increasing stock holding and fabrication requirement within the business. The 23 additional staff to be recruited over the next 18 months will include a range of managerial and operative roles and give us the scope to fully penetrate our target markets and capitalise on growth opportunities.”

Invest NI's director advanced engineering and construction Damian McAuley added: “Alternative Heat has experienced a sustained period of growth in recent years and this investment to increase its capacity and workforce signals its commitment to continue driving the business forward.

“The 23 new jobs will generate approximately £780,000 annually for the local economy, the majority of which will pay salaries above the private sector median. Invest NI’s assistance with this expansion will help Alternative Heat realise its potential and support its projected sales growth of circa 46 per cent by 2017.”