Barbour the biz for Kells Co.

Francis Dinsmore Ltd has secured a contract with global heritage and lifestyle brand Barbour, following an investment in a new production facility supported by Invest Northern Ireland. Pictured (L-R) during a visit to the company is Barry Corrigan, Managing Director of Dinsmores, with Invest NI Chief Executive Alastair Hamilton.Pic by Parkway Photography.

Francis Dinsmore Ltd’s new facility will apply wax coatings to textiles and the investment is projected to create 16 new jobs.

Invest NI has offered capital, employment and skills development assistance towards the project, which has been part funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

Francis Dinsmore has been providing a textile dyeing and finishing service for over 200 years.

In recent years the company has added new textile finishes such as flame retardant, water repellent, anti-bacterial and now wax coatings, as well as exploring new composite fabrics.

As a result of the recent investment, Dinsmore’s has received a substantial order from

Barbour for wax coated fabric to be produced at the new Kells wax production unit in 2014.

Barry Corrigan, Managing Director and owner of Francis Dinsmore, said: “We’re delighted to have secured this contract with Barbour, a highly respected global heritage and lifestyle brand, and will use it as a springboard to market this new product on a global basis.”

Ballymena DUP Cllr William McCaughey said “The creation of 16 new jobs will be welcome news for this area. I applaud the foresight and business acumen of Francis Dinsmore Ltd and their managing director Barry Corrigan, firstly to utilise the services of Invest NI, and secondly in a marvellous effort to secure this valuable contract with another firm such as Barbour.

“It’s an excellent show of teamwork for all concerned within this factory and they should all be proud of the part they played in securing this contract. I wish them every success for the future.”

Local DUP MLA Paul Frew said of the investment: “It’s another welcome sign showing both the up turn in business and the courage of another NI firm to invest confidently in new emerging markets.”

These words were echoed by North Antrim TUV MLA, Jim Allister, who said: “Job creation is essential and the 16 new positions are a welcome addition to the workforce.

“It clearly demonstrates the esteem Francis Dinsmore is held in and I wish them every success in the future.”

It shows that there is a place within the global market for firms to make an impact if they have the expertise to do so.”