Window of opportunity as Ballymena firm brings jobs

The exapansion was announced by Enterprise Minister Jonathan Bell and follows the successful launch by the firm of its new maintenance-free ‘Lumi’ window system for the residential housing market.

The company is now investing in additional equipment, skilled personnel and marketing to maximise sales with £399,000 in support from Invest NI.

“Apeer is an ambitious company, undertaking a comprehensive growth strategy to boost its market share across Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland,” said Mr Bell.

“Its investment in innovation and continuous improvement measures, supported by Invest Northern Ireland, will ensure Apeer has the resources, skills and equipment in place to maximise the sales potential of its new window range.

“The 25 new jobs to be recruited in the coming months, the majority of which are manufacturing roles, is very positive news for Mid and East Antrim and will generate £375,000 annually in additional salaries to the local economy.”

Apeer manufactures and supplies a range of uPVC door panels, GRP external composite doors, fire doors, decorative glass units and commercial glass.

Speaking about the company’s efforts to explore and target new business opportunities outside the province, manging director Asa McGillian said the phased investment programme was a significant commitment for the business, designed to help it secure new sales.

“Our award winning Lumi window range is a unique new product that will help us leverage substantial new business in the residential housing market. Invest NI’s support has been vital in enabling us to implement growth measures that mean we can take advantage of the growing demand for construction products expected in the years ahead.

“The 25 new jobs, to include a variety of roles such as production and customer services, will ensure we have the capacity to meet the expected increase in future sales.

Attending key exhibitions, such as Selfbuild & Improve Your Home, Grand Designs and FIT shows in 2016 will be valuable opportunities to raise our profile among industry leaders in the doors and windows industry and improve awareness of our product range among the general public.”

Apeer’s award winning windows range Lumi is a revolutionary, maintenance-free new system for the residential housing market.

Launched last year, this product offers the highest security, energy efficiency, acoustic performance and aesthetic performance of any window system in the UK and Europe.