FG Wilson announces £5m investment in Larne

The company, which makes generators for sale around the world, will develop a major new assembly line at the Old Glenarm Road site,

This state-of-the-art investment will support the launch of a range of new products. FG Wilson says it will also boost manufacturing efficiency at the company and allow it to react swiftly to changes in customer demand.

Civil works on the 47,000 sq ft development will be completed in July, with the new line installation completed by September. It will create an impressive, continuously moving assembly line, using technology employed by leading automotive companies.

FG Wilson managing director, Mark Sweeney, described it as an important investment for the company's Larne site and its Northern Ireland operations.

"We are committed to investing in our local plants to ensure that we can continue to produce better, more efficient and higher quality products. This current investment will bring a range of important benefits for the company and will position us to remain competitive in international markets.

"This is not only an important investment for FG Wilson, but for Larne as well, as it will help us to continue to bring employment and investment to the town for many years to come," he said.

Larne mayor, Councillor Andy Wilson, described the major boost for the local economy as "fantastic news".

"It is a real vote of confidence in the borough and I hope it guarantees the future success of the Larne factory and that it is not only good news for FG Wilson employees but the borough as a whole," he said.