'We can offer the US market world-class innovation': Six local companies joined Invest NI delegation in Washington to explore expansion opportunities in the American market

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald is returning from Washington where she and InvestNI have been leading a mission of six local businesses at the SelectUSA Investment Summit.

Held in Maryland, SelectUSA is the highest profile foreign direct investment event in the US. The mission was for local companies who may consider establishing or expanding a physical footprint in the US in the future through sales operations, manufacturing partnerships or investment-led expansion.

Speaking from Washington at the end of her visit, Minister Archibald said: “The engagements at SelectUSA have been very positive enabling our local companies to explore new partnerships and growth opportunities.

"My message to those exhibiting was that we can offer the US market world‑class innovation, skilled talent and trusted partnerships, with the scale, ambition and certainty to grow globally.”

The Minister added: “The US is one of the north’s most important markets for both exports and inward investment, with goods exports worth £1.4bn in 2025. It offers significant opportunities for local companies, with access to more than 330 million consumers and strong demand across advanced manufacturing, fintech, and life and health sciences.

“This visit builds on the success of my predecessor’s trade mission to Chicago and Toronto, which saw four companies secure new contracts and distribution agreements.”

During the visit, Minister Archibald attended a number of engagements with her southern counterpart Peter Burke TD, and met with business and political leaders to highlight our region’s strengths and bolster political and economic ties.

The Minister also met with representatives of the US Semiquincentennial Commission to discuss the tourism opportunities surrounding planned celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The Minister said: “The US market plays a vital role for our tourism sector and America250 brings a variety of opportunities to mark the many links between the US and those of Irish and Ulster-Scots heritage.”

The companies from Northern Ireland that participated on the mission included: O&S Doors Ltd, Smiley Monroe Ltd, Fast Technologies Ltd, EPAS Ltd, NHL Cylinders and Adepta Partners Ltd.

Reflecting on the benefits of its current operations in the US, Chris Monroe, CEO at Smiley Monroe Ltd explained: “Having a site in the US has given us the flexibility our customers need. This dual approach has helped our business to build new relationships and retain key customers whose procurement needs depend on having local support in the US, alongside our operations in Northern Ireland.

“The expansion has also significantly strengthened our global brand presence, which has contributed to a 25% increase of new customers in Northern Ireland since we opened Smiley Monroe Inc in Kentucky in 2020.”

Moira Loughran, head of exports at Invest NI added: “The SelectUSA Investment Summit provided a valuable platform for local companies to assess the real‑world opportunities and challenges of entering the US market.

"Participating businesses gained practical insights into the financial, operational and strategic considerations involved in setting up US operations, helping to reduce barriers to entry and significantly increase their likelihood of successful expansion.

“Ultimately, this mission aligns with our business strategy by supporting Northern Ireland businesses to scale globally and diversify their export base.”