Firm hopes for expansion

Firm hopes for expansion

10 July 2013

A BALLYNAHINCH firm which is a leading player in the world of aircraft design and cutting edge technology hosted Invest NI chief executive Alastair Hamilton last week.

Datum Design provided Mr. Hamilton with an overview of the company and outlined how it would like to expand in the future.

Last Thursday’s visit was organised by Strangford MLA Mike Nesbitt who said the Ballynahinch firm is incredibly successful internationally, particularly for aircraft design.

He explained the firm, which is a sub-contractor of Bombardier, is looking to expand in the future. Mr. Nesbitt said Datum has purchased a robot to carry out very precise, laser guided drilling, particularly for aircraft wings.

The MLA said the Ballynahinch firm sees a market in this field and that having discussed this with company officials, he wanted to make sure that Invest NI was fully aware of the company’s potential.

Mr. Nesbitt said the Invest NI chief visited Datum’s manufacturing plant at the former Pinewick complex at the Magheraknock Road before spending time with company directors who gave a powerpoint presentation on what they do and would like to do in the future.

The MLA said Datum’s company directors outlined where they hope to take the business in the future, declaring that he has no doubt the Ballynahinch firm is “more than deserving” of Invest NI support.

The Strangford MLA explained there is business which is potentially going out of Northern Ireland which Datum may be able to supply, suggesting the expansion of the business could potentially lead to the creation of a number of new jobs.

Mr. Nesbitt said last week’s visit was part of a scoping exercise, with Datum officials receiving what he described as “positive noises” from Mr. Hamilton.