McAuley Precision and McAuley Fabrication are undertaking expansions that will create 87 new skilled advanced manufacturing jobs in Ballymoney, Antrim by 2019. The €6.8 million investment, supported by Invest Northern Ireland, was announced by Invest NI chief executive Alastair Hamilton during a visit to the companies’ premises. “McAuley Precision and McAuley Fabrication are established indigenous engineering firms and this announcement is positive news for the Ballymoney area and local manufacturing industry,” said Hamilton “The significant investment in new technology, marketing and people marks a step change in the development of these businesses. Their growth plans are aimed at enhancing McAuley’s position to successfully target high value engineering sectors and in particular the rapidly growing global aerospace sector. “The 87 new jobs to be recruited over the next four years will generate an additional €2.9 million annually in additional salary and create valuable advanced manufacturing employment opportunities in the Causeway Coast and Glens region.” McAuley Precision Limited focuses primarily on precision machining and tubular work for the transportation, oil and gas and aerospace sectors, while McAuley Fabrication Limited focuses on sheet metal fabrication work, including punching, folding and welding for the transportation sector. “This investment signals a major milestone in our growth strategy and will help us to cement our reputation as credible suppliers in our target markets,” said Jonathan McAuley, managing director of McAuley Precision and McAuley Fabrication. “The international aerospace and transportation sectors are particularly important growth areas for us and working with Invest NI we aim to scale up our workforce and manufacturing capabilities to secure work within these valuable supply chains. “Our investment activities in the coming months will involve upgrading our manufacturing area, investing in our IT systems and new machinery as well as implementing a robust business development and marketing strategy to target new customers.” 57 jobs will be created at McAuley Precision while the remaining 30 positions will be recruited by McAuley Fabrication. 23 of the 87 new jobs are already in place.