Duneane Engineering announces 40 new jobs

The decision to set up in Ballymena was made due to the area’s long-held reputation for being a leader in the highly skilled manufacturing and engineering industries.

Duneane Engineering is focused on offering a range of welding and fabricating services to companies initially throughout Ballymena and Mid and East Antrim, and then concentrating on expanding into the wider Northern Ireland market. The firm has taken up residence in the Victoria Works building, once home to Rory Woolf of the Woolf Engineering and Slemish brands. The company intends to resurrect the Slemish brand once again and build on Woolf Engineering’s past fabrication, welding and precision engineering expertise.

Following engagement with Mid and East Antrim Council’s Economic Development Team, Duneane Engineering chose the new location for its access to skills and expertise, which are synonymous with the borough’s strong manufacturing and engineering heritage. The company is also benefiting from support through the Mid and East Antrim Manufacturing Task Force, as well as Productivity and Skills sub-groups and Skills Academies, and Council’s Business Escalator Programme as the firm is seeking to expand, and plans to recruit a further 35 to 40 welders in early 2022.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor William McCaughey, said: “The announcement of up to 40 new jobs is great news for the local economy, and I look forward to following the future success of Duneane Engineering in our borough.”

Chair of the Manufacturing Task Force, Graham Whitehurst MBE, said: “This welcome investment in Ballymena will be a great boost to our local economy and workforce, and the new roles will no doubt be highly sought after.”

Caitriona Gribben, Director of Duneane Engineering, added: “After reviewing a number of locations, we had no hesitation in expanding our presence and establishing Duneane Engineering in Ballymena, the home of Woolf Engineering.

Duneane Engineering is holding an open day on Friday, December 10, from 10am to 12pm at Victoria Works, Pennybridge Industrial Estate. To book your place or for more information on upcoming roles which include Welders/Fabrications, Spray Painters, Fitters contact [email protected]