Energy firm to create 23 jobs

Energy firm to create 23 jobs

25 November 2015

A CASTLEWELLAN renewable energy firm is expanding its business to create 23 new jobs.

The award-winning Alternative Heat company is expanding its manufacturing facilities and it’s plans to increase its workforce supported by Invest Northern Ireland.

The expansion is aimed at providing the company with the capability to win and fulfil increased contracts for biomass boilers, service and maintenance of biomass boilers and open loop heat pump solutions.

Alternative Heat specialises in the design, supply, installation, commissioning and service of renewable heating systems for domestic, commercial and industrial applications and provides an extensive range of renewable heating systems throughout the UK and Ireland.

Invest NI has offered the Castlewellan firm £85,000 to support the development of its site at Burrenreagh Road, which involves building a new warehouse and associated yard facilities.

In October, the local firm secured planning approval for a £1m expansion at its base, securing the jobs of its 110 employees and those of its sub-contractors.

Alternative Heat shares its Castlewellan base with its sister operation Kane Heating and boasts a turnover in excess of £37m. It is one of the district’s major success stories.

Managing director, Connell McMullan, said the business has continued to review the renewable industry throughout Ireland and the UK over the past 10 years.

‘We have developed our systems in line with industry demands to ensure we are best placed to increase our market share and build a platform for sustained growth,” he explained.

“The investment to expand our warehouse and yard facilities with support from Invest NI will allow us to effectively manage the increasing stock holding and fabrication requirement within the business.”

Mr McMullan said the additional 23 staff to be recruited over the next 18 months will include a range of managerial and operative roles, providing the Castlewellan firm with the scope to fully penetrate its target markets and capitalise on growth opportunities.