Town firms feature in top 100 companies

Portadown’s amazing good fortune in the employment stakes is again reflected in the fact that the town figures highly in the Northern Ireland Top 100 firms – including the number one spot occupied Moy Park poultry and meat processors.

Local firms also included are Almac Pharmaceuticals at number 20; Clearway Disposals at 48; James E. McCabe, wine distributors at 74; and Kingspan at 82.

Firms with branches in the town also figure, with Charles Hurst Motors at 15 and Dunnes Stores at 44.

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The jewel in the crown is Moy Park, the leaders in the list – compiled by the Ulster Business Magazine – away out in front for the second successive year, the criteria being the turnover of the companies and the profit margins.

Moy Park had a whopping turnover of £1.6bn, returning a profit of £24.4m, leading the list by a distance, although overall, the 100 surveyed found profits tighter this year, reduced from four per cent to three.

Said Moy Park CEO Nigel Dunlop, “To be named as number one company in Ulster Business’ Top 100 for the second time is a great accolade for everyone in the business. Moy Park is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year and we remain committed to growing our business both within and from Northern Ireland. We delivered a strong trading performance in 2012 and despite a backdrop of still challenging markets, we look forward to the future with continued confidence.”

Iconic NI firms Glen Electric and Caterpillar hold second and third place, with turnover of £843m and £771m respectively, well behind Moy Park.

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Almac creeps into the top 20, from 22nd last year, with a turnover of £300m translated into a £15m profit. Founded 11 years ago by the late Sir Allen McClay, Almac raced from a standing start into an international company and continues to expand.

The Clearway Group at Dobbin Road moves up from 50 to 48, with a turnover of £155m returning a £9.4m profit. Established in the 1960s, Clearway operates throughout Ireland.

Seagoe firm, James E. McCabe wine distribution, continues to make the list, also moving up from 76 to 75. The firm has its origins with the respected Portadown McCabe family – formerly of Renmore Avenue. Sadly, the founder Jack McCabe was a victim of the troubles, back in July 1973, the first day that Portadown was affected, with three killings. McCabe’s have a turnover of £90m, with a profit of £1.3m.

Kingspan, based at a factory on the Gilford Road, are placed at 82