Bell welcomes the creation of 46 new jobs by Ballymoney based Dowds Group

Dowds Group specialises in the design and build of mechanical and electrical services within large-scale education, healthcare, industrial and commercial facilities.

To accommodate its growth in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland, the M&E contractor has recently opened a second office in Belfast.

Jonathan Bell said: “Dowds Group is an ambitious, export focused business which has significantly built up its technical capabilities and personnel to continue their growth in new markets. I am pleased Invest Northern Ireland has been able to support the growth of the company through the offer of £192,000 enabling the creation of 32 of the 46 jobs. The new jobs will include management, technical and business development roles, as well as electrician and plumbing positions.

“The enhancement of their workforce will enable Dowds Group to secure additional large projects. The new positions will contribute over £980,000 annually in salaries to the Northern Ireland economy and signals encouraging growth in the construction sector.”

“Dowds Group has devoted significant resources to their expansion including strengthening their BIM/CAD facilities through the introduction of new staff and a major upgrade of 3D modelling Revit software and associated hardware. They have also established a new ‘Integrated Services’ division to expand their range of services to include construction, fit out and facilities management.”

Managing Director James Dowds added: “In addition to Invest NI’s contribution, we have committed circa £1million to expand our presence in England, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland. The introduction of new staff gives us greater capacity and enhanced confidence to deliver on our strategy of long term growth.

“We have secured contracts which will see our turnover increase by 35% for 2016 and we will continue our investment in new talent to build a stronger company and further develop our customer base.”