ADVANCING
Advancing
By HELEN MCGURK
PLANS for a new �1.5 million state-of-the-art advance factory to be built in Omagh will, it is hoped, attract investors to the town which was devastated by a massive bomb only a month ago.
The Industrial Development Board are funding the new 30,000 sq. ft. factory which will be built on a site at IDB's Doogary West Estate in Omagh and will be complete within the next nine months.
Economy Minister, Adam Ingram, said the development reflects the Government's commitment to promote industry and expand job opportunities in this area of social need.
"It is imperative now that concrete help is given quickly in the aftermath of the recent atrocity and in response to the request by the people of Omagh and the District Council for help. Omagh has been a high priority area for IDB investment and trade support activities.
"I am confident that the Advance Factory unit can be constructed quickly and cost effectively."
Mr Ingram said the new unit will be of interest to overseas businesses seeking an operational base in Northern Ireland to serve export markets and will be suitable for both manufacturing and tradable service industries.
"An important attraction for potential investors is the availability of labour in the area, particularly young people who are seeking employment and keen to take part in training programmes."
Local UUP councillor Reuben McKelvey said news of the factory was a "step forward for the town."
"It is a bit of light at the end of the tunnel which will hopefully help to get the unemployed back into work.
"Traders in the town have felt deeply disheartened by recent events. The IDB investment is a great lift for them and hopefully a tenant can be found for it very soon."
John Stringer, chief executive. Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce said the Chamber was delighted to hear of the new factory.
"Omagh has for some time has been concerned about the need for further investment expansion in the area - and perhaps at this time especially.
"The news is an encouragement for the town and we trust that great efforts will be made to find a tenant in the near future."
By HELEN MCGURK
PLANS for a new �1.5 million state-of-the-art advance factory to be built in Omagh will, it is hoped, attract investors to the town which was devastated by a massive bomb only a month ago.
The Industrial Development Board are funding the new 30,000 sq. ft. factory which will be built on a site at IDB's Doogary West Estate in Omagh and will be complete within the next nine months.
Economy Minister, Adam Ingram, said the development reflects the Government's commitment to promote industry and expand job opportunities in this area of social need.
"It is imperative now that concrete help is given quickly in the aftermath of the recent atrocity and in response to the request by the people of Omagh and the District Council for help. Omagh has been a high priority area for IDB investment and trade support activities.
"I am confident that the Advance Factory unit can be constructed quickly and cost effectively."
Mr Ingram said the new unit will be of interest to overseas businesses seeking an operational base in Northern Ireland to serve export markets and will be suitable for both manufacturing and tradable service industries.
"An important attraction for potential investors is the availability of labour in the area, particularly young people who are seeking employment and keen to take part in training programmes."
Local UUP councillor Reuben McKelvey said news of the factory was a "step forward for the town."
"It is a bit of light at the end of the tunnel which will hopefully help to get the unemployed back into work.
"Traders in the town have felt deeply disheartened by recent events. The IDB investment is a great lift for them and hopefully a tenant can be found for it very soon."
John Stringer, chief executive. Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce said the Chamber was delighted to hear of the new factory.
"Omagh has for some time has been concerned about the need for further investment expansion in the area - and perhaps at this time especially.
"The news is an encouragement for the town and we trust that great efforts will be made to find a tenant in the near future."
Further Information
Publisher: NEWS LETTER
Ref: NL/298
Published Date: 15-Sep-98
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