Development and export success brings 10 new jobs for Maghera firm

A Maghera based manufacturing business is set to take on 10 new employees following success in export markets with a new product developed by the firm.
By The Newsroom
Published 2nd Mar 2016, 18:49 BST
Updated 2nd Mar 2016, 18:54 BST
Enterprise Minister Jonathan Bell pictured at Cunningham Covers with David Cunningham and Briege CunninghamEnterprise Minister Jonathan Bell pictured at Cunningham Covers with David Cunningham and Briege Cunningham
Enterprise Minister Jonathan Bell pictured at Cunningham Covers with David Cunningham and Briege Cunningham

Cunningham Covers, a major player in the road haulage industry has been praised for its innovation by Enterprise Minister Jonathan Bell during a visit to the Co Londonderry firm.

Commenting on the company’s recent export success, Jonathan Bell said: “Cunningham Covers is a market leader in the design and manufacture of custom industrial textile covers for the protection of high value assets.

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“Seventy per cent of the clever protective covers produced by the business are sold to over 40 countries.

“The company has invested significantly in the last year in product development and marketing to ensure it remains at the forefront of its field and can continue to grow and reach for new markets worldwide.”

“It has recently secured a £700,000 contract in Great Britain and is creating 10 new jobs over the next two years to help it meet growing demand for its products.

“The new jobs include management positions as well as sales support and production operatives and will increase Cunningham’s staff numbers to 62 contributing £200,000 a year to the local economy.”

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The company recently developed an innovative new protective cover with research and development support from Invest Northern Ireland, which is also supporting the new jobs and the company’s new marketing programme.

“Cunningham Covers has created a product that meets a specific need in the market helping them to find success in the global market,” added Mr Bell.

“The Executive’s goal is to see more small businesses investing in research and development as this will underpin the growth of our economy.”

Company managing director David Cunningham said “The company’s strategy moving forward is to target high growth markets and export sectors and that is why we continue to develop and research our clever protective covers which can be used in a variety of industries.

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“Invest NI’s support was essential for this project as it enabled us to minimise the risk involved in developing new technology.

“We’ve also begun an extensive programme of marketing activity involving visits to export markets and developing our presence in new sectors.

This groundwork will enable us to identify and secure new customers worldwide.”

Related topics:MagheraGreat Britain