'Significant vote of confidence': Chinese manufacturing firm opens first overseas operation in Northern Ireland
Superconducting Technologies Northern Ireland will create 41 jobs at its new facility, supported by £287,000 from Invest NI
A Chinese manufacturing firm has opened a new operation in Larne in its first investment outside China, creating 41 operational and engineering jobs.
Superconducting Technologies Northern Ireland (STNI), owned by Xi’an Superconducting Wire Technologies Co Ltd (XST), has established a new advanced manufacturing facility on Ballyhampton Road in Larne.
The facility will manufacture high-performance superconducting materials which are processed into superconducting wire, primarily for use in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines.
XST specialises in the development and manufacture of superconducting materials and magnets for applications including medical imaging, scientific research, semiconductor production, accelerators and maglev transport.
The investment has been supported by Invest Northern Ireland, which has offered £287,000 towards the creation of the 41 new roles.
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has welcomed the opening, describing the investment as a “significant vote of confidence” in the borough and its skilled workforce.
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Thomas Gordon, said: “I am delighted to welcome XST and Superconducting Technologies Northern Ireland to Larne and to see this important investment taking shape here in Mid and East Antrim.
“Our borough has a proud manufacturing heritage and a highly skilled workforce, as well as a growing reputation for innovation and advanced manufacturing. The decision to locate this new facility in Larne demonstrates a significant vote of confidence in this area and shows international investors that this is a place to do business, grow and access world-class skills.
“The creation of 41 new jobs is very welcome for Larne and the wider borough, while the specialist nature of this operation also adds to the diversity and strength of our manufacturing base.
“We want STNI to become part of our business community and part of our pioneering MTF industry network. We wish the company every success as it establishes its operations here and look forward to working with it in the years ahead as the operation develops and flourishes.”
Council and Invest NI worked closely with XST’s team to secure the investment, including supporting visits to Northern Ireland to assess potential manufacturing locations and helping the company establish the factory facility in Larne.
Kieran Donoghue, chief executive of Invest NI, added: “The company’s decision to manufacture its alloy wires for MRI machines in Larne is a strong vote of confidence in Northern Ireland as a location for international investment and especially advanced manufacturing.
“Our support is helping the company to create 41 jobs which have the potential to contribute almost £1.5 million annually to the local Mid and East Antrim area.”