Carrickfergus-based aerospace manufacturer IPC Mouldings is investing £1.7 million to expand its operations, create 16 new jobs and strengthen its position in the global aircraft interiors market.

Invest Northern Ireland has offered the company £112,000 of support towards the creation of the new roles, helping IPC Mouldings grow its workforce to 50 employees and accelerate its export ambitions.

Established more than 30 years ago, IPC Mouldings designs and manufactures tooling, plastic injection moulded components and value-added assemblies for the aircraft interiors sector.

The £1.7 million investment includes new production equipment, software and AI systems, factory upgrades and the recruitment of new engineering, technical and production staff. It will also help increase productivity and build capacity to meet growing demand from international aerospace customers.

Pictured (L-R) are Joanne Liddle, Managing Director, IPC Mouldings and Brendan McGuigan, Director, Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering, Invest NI. Photo: Invest NI

placeholder image — Pictured (L-R) are Joanne Liddle, Managing Director, IPC Mouldings and Brendan McGuigan, Director, Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering, Invest NI. Photo: Invest NI

Joanne Liddle, Managing Director of IPC Mouldings, said: “This investment marks an important step in our growth journey. By investing in our people, facilities and advanced technologies, we are building the capacity to meet rising customer demand and win new business in international markets.

“Invest NI’s support has been instrumental in developing a long-term growth strategy. Its help with job creation, leadership development, operational excellence and international trade, has made us a more resilient business. This growth also goes hand in hand with our new People Strategy, which gives everyone at IPC a clear, fair pathway to build a career with us.”

The company expects to increase export sales by £3 million in total over the next four years, building on its established customer base in international markets including the United States and Asia.

The project builds on a range of support IPC Mouldings has received from Invest NI in recent years, including the Leadership Team Programme, alongside trade development, operational excellence, lean manufacturing and supply chain improvement support.

Invest NI's Director of Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering, Brendan McGuigan, said: “IPC Mouldings is an ambitious manufacturer that is investing to enhance its capabilities, increase capacity and capitalise on new opportunities in the global aerospace market.

“It is encouraging to see IPC Mouldings building on the strategic growth plans developed through our Leadership Team Programme. The company’s achievement of SC21 Gold status, the aerospace and defence industry’s supply chain excellence standard, demonstrates its commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence, and we look forward to supporting its continued growth in global markets.”