Over 80 jobs in Strabane after pipe work firm announces £7 million investment

by Gráinne Connolly

People in Strabane have the option to apply for one of over 80 new jobs that'll be coming to the town, after local company Fabplus announced it's to more than double its workforce and turnover.

With support from Invest NI, the investment is part of a three year expansion plan to increase its market share in the Republic of Ireland and Great Britain, and gain a foothold in mainland Europe and Scandinavia.
 

Fabplus is a family business, that specialises in supplying bespoke pre-fabricated pipework for use in fire sprinkler systems. 

It's installed in the likes of power stations, warehouses, retail buildings, hospitals, stadiums, apartment blocks and factories throughout Ireland and Great Britain.

Recruitment is currently underway to employ 83 additional staff members, including management roles and 70 new production staff. 

The £7 million investment includes expanding its factory space, storage, R and D facilities, developing an in-house powder coating and pipe optimisation capability and implementing a staff training plan. 

The director of the family business Darren McGavigan said: 

“This is an ambitious three year expansion plan which is designed to move our operations to a scale which can compete in the global marketplace.

“Extending the factory by 48,000 sq ft will increase our production capacity and improve factory workflow.

"Adding breadth and depth to the management team will also introduce additional expertise into the business while implementing our innovative new processes will consolidate our market leading position with new and existing customers.”

Fabplus provides prefabricated pipework for use in fire sprinkler systems. Its equipment is installed in power stations, warehouses, retail buildings, hospitals, stadiums, apartment blocks and factories throughout Ireland and Great Britain.

Invest NI has offered the pipework company over £786,000 towards its expansion, including £187,590 of R and D support, part funded by the European Regional Development Fund. 

Speaking following a visit to the company’s premises in Orchard Way, Invest NI’s Chief Executive Alastair Hamilton said:

“Fabplus is an established family business in Strabane which has experienced considerable growth over the last five years.  

"The company has been working in partnership with Invest NI during this time and developed a strong competitive advantage in the UK marketplace.

“Its latest investment is a significant boost for our construction sector, the North West region and more broadly Northern Ireland’s manufacturing base, which has been facing commercial challenges in other areas.

"The 83 new jobs being created by 2019 will generate £1.7million annually in additional salaries to the local economy and take total employment at the firm to 138 people.

“Fabplus wants to take advantage of growth opportunities in mainland Europe and Scandinavia and is utilising our help and expertise to invest in the resources, capabilities, training and R&D needed to help achieve its objective.”

The news has also been welcomed by local MLA for West Tyrone Daniel McCrossan, who says it shows Strabane is still a place for business. 

“This is great news for our local economy and it only goes to show that Strabane is open for business and open for investment.

“This investment is pivotal for one of Ireland’s leading manufacturing firms that wants to invest and expend its product in different markets. I welcome this and welcome their ambition for the local area and the fact they will be providing 83 extra jobs. 

“This investment shows that Strabane has much more to offer and I hope todays news sets a precedent for other businesses to expand and invest locally and look at wider opportunities. 

“We have some great indigenous businesses in the area and I hope that Invest NI will continue to support them in the near future.”