Aerospace firm RLC creates 80 jobs in Newtownabbey

The company, which already employs more than 250 staff in Northern Ireland, will become the first tenant of Global Point Business Park.

The investment will create 80 high quality jobs and establish a world-class advanced manufacturing capability for the company at a new 10,000sq m, state-of-the-art factory.

RLC is also undertaking a research and development project to enable it to manufacture structural guide vanes at high production rates for the next generation aero engines

Sarah Holt, RLC Director, said: “We have recently secured high technology, long-term projects with leading global aerospace companies, which offer significant opportunities for RLC.

“To deliver on these contracts we need to invest in a major R&D project and enhance our manufacturing capability. Having considered our options we have decided that, taking into account the availability of skills and the support from Invest NI, Northern Ireland offers an excellent and cost-effective location from which to service these contracts.”

Invest NI has offered almost £6.5million of support for the new facility and the R&D project.

Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Jonathan Bell said he was delighted the firm had chosen to locate the new facility in Northern Ireland.

“The 80 new jobs will pay well above the Northern Ireland private sector median and will contribute over £2.8million a year in salaries to the economy.

“The global aerospace sector is a dynamic one which will continue to grow for the foreseeable future. RLC’s investment secures its presence in Northern Ireland, and demonstrates to the international aerospace community that this region represents a sound location for providing advanced manufacturing and engineering solutions.”

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Thomas Hogg said the investment “is great testament to the attractive qualities that Antrim and Newtownabbey offer to potential investors.”