W&G Baird makes £4m investment in future growth

Antrim-based W&G Baird has installed new press, folding and bindery machines that will expand its capabilities and boost the efficiency and competitiveness of the business.

The investment will enable the company to secure highly skilled engineering employment in the long term and allow for expansion in the future

Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Jonathan Bell has welcomed a £4million capital investment by that will help boost the printing firm’s sales outside Northern Ireland.

“Against a changing landscape in Northern Ireland’s printing industry we identified the need to upgrade and improve our in-house printing and bindery capabilities,” said managing director Patrick Moffett.

“Installing this new equipment is a major investment for the business which will help safeguard our future.

“Invest NI’s support and the loan from the Growth Loan Fund has enabled us to implement our expansion strategy promptly so that we can take advantage of new business opportunities. We are encouraged by the uplift in performance to date and hope our new machinery will continue to strengthen the business and help us leverage new sales outside Northern Ireland.”

Enterprise Minister Jonathan Bell praised the firm’s “long and distinguished history within the printing industry” and its commitment to future growth.

“Innovation and continuous development is central to business success and this new machinery will not only position W&G Baird competitively in its target markets but also help to reduce its environmental impact.”

Finance for the £50m Growth Loan Fund has been provided by Invest NI and private investor the Northern Ireland Local Government Officers’ Superannuation Committee (NILGOSC). The fund is managed by WhiteRock Capital Partners.

Chief investment officer Paul Millar said: “This multi-million pound investment in R&D demonstrates a long term commitment to innovation and growth.

“The owner’s ability to adapt and understand structural changes in the printing industry over the past several years has been a key driver to their success. W&G Baird are the perfect example of the type of company the Growth Loan Fund is keen to support.”