Overend visits thriving company Moyola Precision Engineering

Thriving in the heart of Mid Ulster the Ulster Unionist MLA spoke to the firm’s Managing Director Mark Semple to hear the developments of this large family-owned engineering business.

Established in 1976, the firm has contracts with many major local and global companies including Bombardier Aerospace, Airbus and Boeing.

Sandra said: “Mark gave me excellent insight into their ability to compete in the global markets in which they operate. They deserve great credit for their innovation, skills and drive, but Mark also informed me of the problems that a growing company like his face; the main issue being a lack of appropriately skilled workforce and the lack of interest in a well paid craft apprenticeship by our school leavers.

“Being a member of the Employment and Learning committee this is an issue that comes up time and time again and I feel is vitally important - we need to ensure that our young people are skilled within the appropriate areas in order to be able to gain employment at the end of their studies.

“The connection between business, industry and our education sector, and especially the careers advisory sector, is essential. We have to be smart about the future of our economy, the future of our business and industry and the training of our young people.

“Moyola has and is achieving massive success as one of the main players in Northern Ireland’s strong aerospace industry. Moyola has seen a strong export record which includes many countries such as China, USA, Japan, Singapore, Mexico, Germany, Austria, UK and Republic of Ireland and they are currently looking to expand more with the aim of growing into new global markets.

“ In contrast to many industries, the aerospace sector is set to grow substantially over the next 5 years as many planes are being ordered by customers from the Middle East and Far East growing economies.

“As the local MLA I was obviously disappointed to hear about the closing of businesses in Mid-Ulster only last week, however following the media coverage of that story I was immediately contacted by Mark Semple to invite me to visit his company.

“I was pleased to receive such an invitation and aim to help to promote businesses such as Moyola Precision Engineering and help give them the tools in which to grow. It is encouraging to see that business is growing and booming in the heart of Mid Ulster.”