Armatile sets sights on export success
ONE of the leading providers of tile and marble products in the province is hoping to build new markets with a major export push announced yesterday.
Based in Armagh with showrooms in Belfast and Newry, Armatile aims to increase sales by 500,000 by 2012 with an investment backed by Invest Northern Ireland.
The 100,000 project, which will also create two new jobs, follows a previous investment which doubled the size of the manufacturing facility in Armagh. New cutting equipment was also installed and as managing director Paul Quinn explained, the latest drive is designed to capitalise on that capital expenditure.
Founded in the mid-70s by James and Pat McCann, the multi-million pound revenue business branched out into manufacturing in 2000 and has developed a strong reputation for custom design work as well as the import and distribution of other manufacturers’ products.
However Mr Quinn said there remained a great deal of scope for expansion fuelled in part at least by the economic climate.
“A lot of people think we’re just a retail shop and we have to diversify within the tile business just to survive at the minute because things are tough.
“If we just had to rely purely on buying and selling tiles it would be even more tough because at least we can differentiate ourselves from the competition out there.”
While the firm, which employs 74 people, already does business across the British Isles, Europe and the US the export plan will examine ways to expand in all those areas.
Visits to potential new markets will be undertaken along with the development of promotional literature and company websites.
The firm will be appointing a sales and marketing manager and a new head of design to help drive the project and will also develop an R&D facility alongside the existing Armagh factory.
“With Invest NI’s support we are implementing plans to enhance our marketing capability and increase Armatile’s visibility, position and sales in target markets.”
Mark Bleakney, manager of Invest NI’s Southern Regional Office in Newry, said the award winning firm’s focus on exploiting potentially lucrative business opportunities in GB and ROI markets demonstrated its commitment to growth.
“With an enhanced marketing strategy and skills base, combined with the firm’s unique design and manufacturing capabilities, Armatile can become more competitive as it seeks to secure this new business.”
Armatile has been recognised by industry peers at the Tile Association for their work on St Patrick’s Church, Dungannon, in addition to 10 previous awards won since 2004 for various projects including St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh, and Peter Marks Hair Salons in Dublin.
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Wednesday 30 May 2012
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