Administrators were appointed to Harland and Wolff, signalling the end of an era for manufacturing in Belfast. The move put the 120 remaining jobs at risk, prompting workers to occupy the famous shipyard, which at its height, employed more than 30,000 people. Unions called for the shipyard to be nationalised.
A Co Tyrone fresh fruit and vegetable supplier closed its doors after almost 80 years of trading, at a cost of 53 jobs. Coalisland-based Quinfresh, which worked with the local wholesale, manufacturing, catering and retail industries, met with staff to confirm the closure of its Ballykelly Road facility, with rising costs cited as a key factor. In a statement proprietor, Peter Quinn said the adverse trading environment had made the business "unsustainable".
The Irish News revealed that hospitality giant Beannchor had taken the running of the Park Avenue Hotel in east Belfast. The group, which operates more than 40 outlets, including the likes of the Merchant and Bullitt hotels in Belfast, stepped in to acquire the financially-troubled Park Avenue. The four-star Park Avenue, which has around 60 staff on its books, had been operating under a Company Voluntary Arrangement since October 2016.
Newry offsite construction firm Connex announced plans to create 140 jobs over the next five years, following on from a £2.5m expansion of its recently established operations. Launched in February 2019 with a £1.2m cash injection, Connex specialises in making high-end modular bathroom pods for hotels, student accommodation, healthcare facilities and residential markets. The pods are completely finished walk-in bathrooms that are shrink-wrapped on the factory floor and shipped to the construction site.
Lisburn-based refrigeration and catering equipment rental specialist Lowe completed the acquisition of PKL Group, a world leading supplier of temporary kitchens and catering equipment for rental and sale. The deal, completed for an undisclosed sum, is set to strengthen Lowe’s position as a global leader in the rental of refrigeration, catering equipment and temporary kitchens.
A Newry-based food-to-go firm announced a £7m investment, with plans to create almost 100 new jobs. Around Noon confirmed plans for a major expansion in the British and Irish markets as it looks to drive annual sales above the £13m mark. The manufacturer, which currently employs 328 at facilities in Newry, Dublin and Slough in England said the latest investment, supported by Invest NI, is part of its goal to become the "UK and Ireland’s leading manufacturer of premium ‘food on the move’".
Two major Northern Ireland textiles companies joined forces to create a new luxury fabric business aimed at the high-end hospitality industry. Ulster Carpets, based in Portadown, Co Armagh, and Mourne Textiles, based in Rostrevor, Co Down, partnered up to launch the new company - Mourne Weavers. The company aims to provide luxury products, including cushions, blankets, and curtain and furnishing fabrics to hotels, bars, restaurants and cruise ships. The products will be similar to Mourne Textiles' distinctive hand-woven designs, inspired by the mountain range which gave the business its name. The new workshop is based in premises in Warrenpoint, Co Down.
