Kilrea based Hutchinson Engineering, which specialises in sub-contract engineering and metal fabrication for a range of sectors including transport, materials handling and construction, is creating 39 jobs as part of a £2.2million investment to grow the business in a number of international markets.
Established in 1971 by the late Creighton Hutchinson, the business is now led by his sons, Mark and Richard.
CEO Mark Hutchinson said: “Our growth plans to date have focused on investing in new technologies to drive our business forward through innovation.
“We purchased cutting-edge technology such as Flatbed Fibre Lasers with support from Invest Northern Ireland’s COVID-19 Productive Investment Capital Grant. We’re already seeing significant time and energy savings, creating a more sustainable working model. With this in place, we’re now in the position to further expand our operations across the coach building, agriculture, and recycling sectors.
“Creating 39 jobs to increase our capacity will ensure that we can maximise opportunities in the marketplace, such as in Republic of Ireland and Great Britain, and can take full advantage of the efficiencies of our new technologies. Our new expanded team will play a large part in driving our innovation so that we can continue our development of a world-class Industry 4.0 manufacturing environment.”
Job opportunities include sales, production, fabrication and welder roles at all levels, including apprenticeships. Recruitment is underway with nine roles in place.
George McKinney, Director of Technology, Services & Scaling, Invest NI, said: “Following Hutchinson Engineering’s participation on our Leader Programme, our Scaling team has been working closely with the company to support its growth trajectory.
“Our support so far has given the company the ability and confidence to invest in further business growth, and I’m pleased to see it continuing to scale at pace.
“Increasing innovation to deliver high value jobs in the advanced manufacturing and engineering sector is a key part of The Department for the Economy’s 10X Economic Vision, to position Northern Ireland amongst the most competitive small advanced economies in the world.
“Hutchinson Engineering’s growth project will continue to enhance and improve its productivity and competitiveness, helping the business to go grow in its new key markets and increase global sales. Once in place, the jobs will contribute over £1million additional annual salaries to the economy – great news for the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council area.”
In recognition of Hutchinson Engineering’s commitment to innovation, it has been awarded a Platinum Level Innovator Certificate from Innovate NI.
