Window blind firm to create 93 jobs in Co Londonderry

Bloc Blinds revealed details yesterday of a £4 million investment which includes new facilities at its Magherafelt plant and a major drive to boost exports.

Recruitment will take place over the next two years.

Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Jonathan Bell, who was in Magherafelt for the investment announcement, said: “Bloc Blinds is a growing innovative business and this announcement is welcome news for Magherafelt and the local manufacturing industry.

“The significant investment in new premises, recruitment of the new staff and increased marketing and development activities will help Bloc Blinds position itself a global player in the window covering market.

“The 93 new manufacturing jobs to be recruited over the next three years will contribute £1.7 million annually in additional salaries to the local economy.”

Bloc Blinds specialises in the design and manufacture of window blinds and recently moved into renovated and extended new premises at Station Road, Magherafelt.

Cormac Diamond, managing director said: “This exciting investment follows encouraging business growth in recent years and underpins our ambition to increase sales particularly in Europe and the US.

Our new manufacturing facility brings the current Bloc Blind lines under the one roof which will help increase production and operating efficiencies. The support and advice of Invest Northern Ireland so far has been invaluable and its support with this expansion will ensure that we have the resources and skill set in place to achieve our goals.”

Edel McCooe, Regional Director, First Trust Bank said: “We have supported Cormac and his vision for the company over the last 10 years and we are delighted to back their latest growth and expansion phase which is creating skilled jobs.”