McErlain’s Bakery, a family business based in Magherafelt, Northern Ireland, UK, has announced expansion plans, a move which will create 100 new production jobs.
The expansion was announced by Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster.
McErlain's Bakery produces an extensive range of small breads and pastries under the Genesis Crafty brand. It also supplies products to large retailers across Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland for sale under the retailers' own brand.
As part of the expansion, the company will invest in new plant and machinery and also extend its product development area. The company plans to invest £1.4m for the expansion project.
McErlain's has been awarded £352,000 by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) towards the planned investment under its EU Processing & Marketing Grant Scheme. The Scheme is administered by DARD with input from Invest Northern Ireland.
Arlene Foster said that this investment is very welcome news for the food industry, a key contributor to Northern Ireland's economy.
"The 100 new jobs being created as part of McErlain's long term development strategy is a positive boost for the local community in Magherafelt," Foster added.
McErlain's has already created 35 of the 100 new positions. The remaining 65 jobs will be created over the next two years.
In addition to the remaining 65 new production staff the firm expects to recruit brand manager and an account manager over the next two years, in order to help boost sales and awareness of the Genesis Crafty brand across Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland. Invest NI has offered McErlain's an additional £53,000 of support towards these marketing activities.
In addition to marketing support of £53,888, Invest NI has offered McErlain's assistance totalling over £60,000 during the past three years to support its business development activities.
Brian McErlain said that the company recognizes the need to further expand the sales beyond Northern Ireland and have focused on developing new innovative products and enhancing its branding, sales and marketing in a bid to secure new export business.
"Support from DARD and Invest NI is helping us enhance our production and marketing capabilities to meet the demand of new customers and cement our position within the highly competitive bakery industry," McErlain added.