Overend hails Moyola PrecisionEngineering firm as a ‘Mid-Ulster Gem’

ULSTER Unionist MLA for Mid-Ulster, Sandra Overend, has welcomed the announcement that Moyola Precision Engineering are to invest £5.3 million to strengthen their manufacturing capabilities which will be supported by a further commitment from Invest Northern Ireland of £616, 500.
By The Newsroom
Published 7th Aug 2012, 10:05 BST

Having recently facilitated a visit of Moyola Precision Engineering with representatives of the Department of Employment and Learning (DEL) committee, Sandra comments on the progress of company and how they continue to strive to put Mid-Ulster on the map as the manufacturing mecca of Northern Ireland.

Sandra, who is the Ulster Unionist Spokesperson for the Economy, said:

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“Having visited Moyola Precision Engineering myself shortly after I was first elected last May, I have seen first-hand the fantastic operation that they run in Castledawson, and believe that they are one of Mid-Ulster’s gems.

“Moyola Precision Engineering is a leading Mid-Ulster manufacturer of intricate components which are used in a variety of sectors such as aerospace or automotive.

“The company is innovative and forward thinking and has recently announced they are to invest £5.3 million to further strengthen its design and manufacturing capabilities.

“Invest Northern Ireland has committed £616,500 of support towards the investment with part funding from the European Regional Development Fund.

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“Such investment will create 15 new jobs and protect a further 20, something which Mid-Ulster certainly needs given the current economic climate of austerity.

“A few months ago I arranged for Moyola’s Managing Director, Mark Semple to meet with Arlene Foster and I was especially pleased to hear that the ETI Minister took the time to visit Moyola when the investment by Invest NI was confirmed.

“Moyola is truly an excellent example of innovative ideas, first class engineering and not least, offering an excellent apprenticeship programme.

“Furthermore, I arranged for high level Officials from the Department of Employment and Learning to visit Moyola Precision Engineering on Thursday of last week to find out about their excellent Apprenticeship Programme with the hope of opening up discussion on accrediting their scheme, as well as ensuring that young people coming out of education have the appropriate skills to enter this workforce.

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“Engineering is too often regarded as an easy career option but those in Moyola PE prove the exciting challenges that face each and every one employed here. Given that the salaries offered to Moyola’s engineers are above the Northern Ireland private sector median it is certainly an attractive employment prospect.

“The apprenticeship programme offered at Moyola results in a highly skilled workforce dedicated to producing top-class products demanded by companies as local as Wrights Bus company, and as worldwide as Bombardier Aerospace.

“Their precision engineering excellence is recognised by many companies and they have to be highly commended for their fantastic contribution to the Northern Ireland aerospace sector.

“I look forward to hearing more good news from Moyola Precision Enginneering in the future.”