Northern Ireland engineering firm PAC Group has acquired the plant and machinery of Barbour Engineering following its closure.

This acquisition will see the company invest £2 million over the next three years, creating up to 20 new jobs in Bangor, Co Down.

The engineering company operates to support and future-proof the industrial and commercial sectors in the UK and Ireland by offering exceptional service for a diverse range of specialist electrical and mechanical engineering applications and solutions.

The newly formed Barbour Engineering & Fabrication, based in Bangor, will be a subsidiary of PAC Group and will continue to specialise in metal fabrication for the aerospace, utilities and the manufacturing sector.

PAC Group Business Development Director Darren Leslie, explained that Barbour Engineering had a solid reputation before their previous owner retired.

"The metal fabrication work was highly regarded in several sectors, including aerospace," he said.

"When the opportunity presented to us to acquire the equipment and create a new future for the Barbour Engineering brand it was a perfect complement to our existing eight engineering divisions."

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Technical Director of PAC Group, Gavin Rankin, said that they want to develop and identify new opportunities for Barbour Engineering & Fabrication, as well as service existing customers.

"We are excited by the prospects that lie in store to build on what has been done in the past, as well as what can be done to showcase the business’ capabilities," he explained.

"Metal fabrication is more than just shaping steel and aluminium, but it is about deciding the right applications for it, and how they can be developed."

The £2m investment will see PAC Group work to enhance shop floor and back-office systems, as well as supporting opportunities for young people.

"As well as looking to expand the workforce we want to invest in the future," said Mr Leslie.

"Northern Ireland rightly has a tradition of excellence in engineering, and we want the next generation to be supported.

"We will have an apprentice programme at Barbour Engineering & Fabrication, with the first of those starting with us in the coming weeks."

Mr Rankin said they intend to bring the values of PAC Group to Barbour Engineering & Fabrication.

"We are a leading and innovative provider of choice for high quality and specialist engineering solutions across all industries and sectors," he said.

"With Barbour Engineering & Fabrication we also aim to be an employer of choice, engaging with and retaining key talent to enable the growth and success of our business.

"The exemplary standards we set ourselves will be there with Barbour Engineering & Fabrication as we develop relationships with clients and with current and future employees."

Other plans for Barbour Engineering & Fabrication include a complete rebrand of the business and employing on-site teams with specialisms in fit-out, welding and fabrication.