Jobs boost at Almac

Around 400 workers are expected to be recruited at the Craigavon based headquarters on a rolling basis.

Upper Bann MP David Simpson welcomed the investment, describing it as “further evidence of Almac’s commitment to Craigavon and Northern Ireland”.

He said: “It continues to be one of the Province’s premier companies and is known throughout the world for the excellence it delivers day in and day out.”

Mr Simpson went on to welcome the decision to refuse planning permission for a recycling plant next door to the Almac headquarters.

“This was a common sense decision,” he said.

“Many hundreds of jobs could have been put at risk if a recycling plant had been positioned so close to Almac.

“Because of the nature of its business, Almac has to undergo ongoing environmental control assessment. This was simply an unsuitable site for such a proposal.”

Sinn Fein’s John O’Dowd also welcomed the announcement.

“Almac is one of the major employers in Upper Bann and draws workers from right across the constituency and further afield,” he said.

“It is therefore great news in a time of major economic decline to learn that not only are existing jobs guaranteed but that employment at their Seagoe Plant is due to increase.”

He continued: “The directors and management of Almac are to be congratulated for continuing to develop their business through the adoption of an innovative and forward looking strategy.

“They stand as an example of what can be achieved even in the midst of a worldwide financial crisis and I wish them all the best with this latest business development.”