Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness are pictured Ryobi, Chairman Hiroshi Urakami. Ryobi Aluminium Casting (UK), Limited is investing £32 million creating 100 new jobs. PIC: Presseye

FIRST Minister Peter Robinson and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness have announced Ryobi Aluminium Casting (UK), Limited is investing £32million in its Carrickfergus plant, creating 100 new jobs.

Japanese owned Ryobi Aluminium Casting (UK), Limited manufactures aluminium die casting products for the European automotive market.

This investment is in new machinery to enable it to expand its product range.

The First Minister Peter Robinson said: “I welcome today’s £32 million investment creating 100 new jobs in Ryobi Limited who are at the forefront of die casting technology.

“Ryobi Aluminium Casting (UK), Limited is one of Northern Ireland’s longest established inward investors and this latest investment in its only European plant, is a further indication of its commitment to Northern Ireland. Today’s announcement reinforces the growing global appeal that we have as a great place in which to invest and to grow your business.

“We met with Chairman Hirsoshi Urakami and President Akira Urakami in December as part of our business mission to Japan, to discuss this project. I welcome this opportunity to thank Ryobi for its further investment in Northern Ireland and to assure the company of our continued support.”

The major investment by the Japanese owned company is being supported by Invest Northern Ireland, which has offered over £2million of assistance, part funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

The deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said: “Today’s announcement of 100 new jobs at Ryobi Aluminium Casting will bring the total employed in Ryobi Limited to 386 delivering over £2million a year to the local economy.

“In December we met Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, Ryobi Chairman, Hirsoshi Urakami and Ryobi President, Akira Urakami.

“These high level meetings provided the platform for us to strengthen government to government relations and attract inward investment.

“This £32million investment by Ryobi Aluminium Casting Limited presents opportunities for people to earn a living and provide for their families.

“This latest investment by Ryobi Limited follows a £900,000 investment by the company in training also supported by Invest NI demonstrates a commitment to developing our people into a multi-skilled workforce.

“This investment sends out a clear signal that the north of Ireland is a fantastic location for international businesses.”

Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Arlene Foster said: “In an increasingly competitive marketplace Ryobi Aluminium Casting (UK), Limited has recognised the importance of continuous improvement, skills development and innovation. This latest investment is an endorsement of the skills and infrastructure available here, as well as proof that Invest NI’s work to secure investment and reinvestment is working.”

Ryobi Limited’s Chairman Hiroshi Urakami, who travelled from Japan for the investment announcement, said: “Ryobi Group is a global leader in specialist die casting technology and we are confident our workforce at Ryobi Aluminium Casting (UK), Limited can help us maintain that position in Europe.

“Over the years we have received excellent support from Invest NI and we consider them to be an important partner in our ongoing development and growth in Northern Ireland.”