A Lisburn-based blinds firm is to invest over £1.3m in launching new products, it has been announced.

Decora Blind Systems received support from Invest NI to enhance company capability and bring to market an innovative new range.

The firm, which currently employs over 220 people, has spent the last six months reviewing its strategic direction.

It has now set ambitious targets for growth and has embarked on a project which involves investing in new equipment, product development and extensive marketing.

Invest NI has offered £157,000 of support, which has been part financed from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Family-owned Decora recently received a major award from the Home Décor and Retail Association in recognition of its high quality products and design ethos.

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The company now anticipates that, as a result of the investment, it will significantly increase sales outside Northern Ireland.

Donal Durkan, Director of Invest NI’s Life Sciences and Creative Division, said the investment is welcome news for the Northern Ireland textile industry, which has had to deal with many challenges over recent years.

"It reflects Decora’s commitment to innovation, which has been a mainstay of its ongoing success, and its recognition of the importance of growing external sales to maintain viability," he said.

Decora is also planning an extensive staff training programme to ensure the company has the skills needed to remain competitive as it goes forward.

Russell Dickson, Decora’s Sales and Marketing Director, said the firm is excited about developing new quality products and are investing in machinery that is exclusive to the UK.

"Invest NI’s support is essential in enabling us to shorten the timeframe from design to delivery of the new product and in helping us introduce new marketing tools that we are confident will strengthen our brand and boost sales," he said.

"The Home Décor and Retail Association will also support our marketing campaigns and give us a further edge over our competitors."

(PR/KMcA)