Woodland firm to branch out

Kitchen maker creates 57 new jobs

A NORTHERN Ireland manufacturing company has revealed it is putting together 57 new jobs.

Woodland has invested almost £4million in marketing in a bid to establish it as a major player in the bathroom and kitchen furniture market.

The family business, based in Rasharkin, Co Antrim, has recently landed a deal to manufacture, supply and install furniture for Belfast’s new Grand Central Hotel.

Invest Northern Ireland chief Alastair Hamilton said: “With the support of Invest NI, the company is boosting its workforce by 57 staff so it can secure lucrative opportunities in its key target markets of Great Britain and the Republic.

“The new jobs will generate over £1.1million annually in additional salaries for the local economy and create skilled employment in the Causeway Coast And Glens Borough Council Area.” Invest NI has contributed £471,624 towards the creation of the jobs, the upskilling of staff and development of Woodland’s software. The new posts, 30 of which are in place, include production operatives and roles in design, sales and IT.

Boss Brian Mccloskey said: “We have made encouraging progress in securing contracts to design, manufacture and supply cabinets to major distributors throughout Great Britain.

“We have also experienced strong growth in the hotel and aparthotel sector by delivering projects in London, Edinburgh and Dublin.

“This new investment, supported by Invest NI, will give us the additional resources and capabilities we need to implement an aggressive marketing campaign to help us win new business.”