Newry firms secure £2m investment to boost exports

Four firms in Newry and south Armagh will receive Invest NI support to grow exports and create 24 jobs.

Newry and south Armagh firms secure £2m investment to boost exports

Four companies based in Newry and south Armagh are investing almost £2 million to expand exports and create 24 jobs. The investments by Pronto Engineering, Sheaney, Versaffix and Viltra will increase productivity, build capacity, and grow sales in the Republic of Ireland, Britain and Europe. Invest NI is providing £191,700 in support toward these projects.

Versaffix will invest £701,000 to boost production and create eight jobs. Viltra is putting in £514,000 to strengthen management and capacity, creating six roles. Pronto Engineering allocates £462,000 for automation and six new posts. Sheaney invests £270,000 to increase exports and add four positions. Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald visited Versaffix and spoke about the importance of rural SMEs and access to financial support, noting the investments will help unlock new export opportunities.

The package signals sustained government emphasis on backing small firms and regional growth. It links export ambitions with rural development and shows a clear willingness to deploy public funds to grow a relatively small set of companies in a rural area. The strategy aligns with a longer term aim to rebalance economic activity across the north.

Yet the plan rests on continued public funding and external demand for exports. Long-term value will depend on sustained demand in ROI, GB and Europe, as well as the ability of these firms to scale without eroding margins or creating poverty-wage jobs in the process.

Highlights

The region will be judged by whether commitments translate into durable local opportunity.