McMullen deal safeguards jobs in Moira

The company went into administration on Wednesday after weeks of speculation that the firm was in difficulty.

The downturn in the construction industry hit the firm hard and last week 50 workers were made redundant.

McMullen operates in the design, fabrication and installation of aluminium curtain wall and window systems for medium and large scale building projects across the UK.

Operating for over 40 years the firm had been involved in a number of landmark developments including Belfast properties, the Boat and the Obel.

It has been sold to Lakesmere Limited, a leading operator in the roofing and cladding sector of the construction industry based in Winchester.

Lakesmere also has operations Warrington and Glasgow and operates throughout the Middle East from its international head office in Abu Dhabi.

Mark Davey, Managing Director of Lakesmere commented: “I have known and respected Ted McMullen and his team for many years.

“They have a strong heritage in the specialist facades marketplace and we intend to ensure that the name and reputation of the company lives on as part of the Lakesmere Group.

“There are natural synergies between our businesses which will enable Lakesmere to offer clients an enhanced range of services in both the UK and internationally where Lakesmere has built a significant reputation in recent times.”

McMullen Facades Limited will continue to operate from its Northern Ireland headquarters.

While the future of the company now seems secure many suppliers to the firm have been left worried about over due accounts.

No-one from McMullen was available for comment.