Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has confirmed that Encirc, the glass producer and bottler, will invest more than £700,000 over the next three years to enhance workforce skills at its Derrylin facility in Fermanagh.

Part of the Vidrala group, Encirc manufactures around three billion glass containers each year for leading brands across the UK.

Dr Caoimhe Archibald, said: "Encirc is an important employer in Fermanagh and a leading manufacturer with a clear vision for a sustainable future. Its latest investment will help its employees develop the technical, digital and leadership capabilities needed to support its ambitious plans to achieve net zero emissions in its glass manufacturing process from 2030. This investment demonstrates how businesses like Encirc can invest in their people while preparing for the opportunities and challenges of a greener economy."

Invest NI has offered £157,200 towards Encirc's three-year training plan, which aims to equip employees with the expertise required to advance the company’s decarbonisation goals and bolster long-term competitiveness.

-- Advertisement --

Sean Murphy, Managing Director at Encirc, said: "As the industry evolves, we must continue investing in the skills and capabilities needed to support new technologies, alternative fuels and future ways of working. A key element of our investment is the introduction of our new One Horizon Programme, a continuous professional development initiative designed to strengthen leadership capability and support long-term business transformation.

"The support from Invest NI is enabling us to accelerate this investment so that we can develop the highly skilled workforce needed to support our ambition of producing glass without generating carbon emissions. It will also ensure our Derrylin site remains at the forefront of sustainable glass manufacturing."

Alongside the One Horizon Programme, employees will take part in training spanning leadership development; specialist engineering for low-carbon technologies and alternative fuels; digital and data skills; artificial intelligence awareness; and wider professional development.

Gráinne Moody, Director of Food and Drink at Invest NI, said: "Encirc continues to demonstrate a long-term commitment to investing in its people, building on the success of its skills development that we supported from 2023 to 2026, creating a culture of continuous learning across the business.

"This latest investment will help its employees develop the skills needed to support its decarbonisation plans and future growth. Encirc's ability to create opportunities for employees to develop and progress their careers in areas such as alternative fuels, low-carbon technologies and AI capabilities, is helping it to not only enhance its productivity, but to equip its people with the confidence and skills required for the next generation of sustainable manufacturing."