The Norman Emerson Group has officially opened their new office headquarters in Derryadd, Lurgan, as an integral part of a £2 million investment which is being supported by Invest Northern Ireland.

The event, attended by over 500 invited guests, marked a significant milestone in the continuous development of this well known family owned business.

The company provides an extensive portfolio of products and services ranging from quarry aggregates, building and horticultural sands, industrial dried sands, pre pack DIY and decorative aggregate, ready mixed concrete and a concrete laying contracts service.

The new headquarters facility will deliver major efficiencies by centralising all management and administrative operations. The £2 million investment will also support marketing activities that will help the firm take advantage of valued added product opportunities in new and existing export markets. Key to this is the introduction of advanced information systems that will increase operational efficiency and productivity levels.

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George Emerson, Managing Director of Norman Emerson & Sons, said: "In a competitive industry, which is facing growing price pressures on core commodity items, this investment will deliver operational refinements that will help us to double our export business.

"By streamlining processes, centralising core functions and implementing state of the art information systems, our resources can be increasingly targeted at new product development - securing our market position and opening up new export opportunities. To achieve this, we expect to create more than 30 new jobs across all areas of the business."

Kevin McCann, Invest NI’s Director of Transport, Construction and Tourism added: "Norman Emerson Group has steadily grown its presence over the past number of years thanks to a focus on best practice, innovative product development and an ongoing commitment to improving processes. The company’s strategic review of operations will facilitate its ambitious export growth plans, allowing it to increase its new product development capability.

"The new headquarters building will be a key element of this project’s success, and complemented by the implementation of new management information systems, it will add significant value to the business and the local economy."

Invest NI has offered £195,800 of assistance toward the total project costs of £2.17 million. The investment is expected to bring the total number of employees to 145 by the end of 2009.

(GK)