A Co Down-based specialist manufacturing firm is set to invest £800,000 in a new environmentally friendly facility, making it Northern Ireland’s first business to gain an Energy Performance Certificate.

Vivomed - which is based in Downpatrick - said the innovative facility will help the firm to take advantage of growing demand for its products in export markets.

Vivomed, a leading supplier of first aid kits, physiotherapy equipment, sports medicine, and pharmaceuticals, will construct the 9,000 square foot 'green site' at Invest NI’s Killough Road Industrial Estate.

The project, which has attracted £180,000 of buy-in from Invest NI, has been designed with a low carbon, energy efficient strategy.

The firm worked with the Carbon Trust to incorporate solar panels, a wind turbine and a wood chip boiler into the unique building design.

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Vivomed’s vision for an environmentally-centred premises will make it the first Northern Ireland firm to be awarded an Energy Performance Certificate, a requirement that will become law later this year.

Invest NI's Managing Director of Corporate Services Colin Lewis said: "With its low carbon building design, Vivomed has demonstrated that local firms can maximise commercial opportunities and accelerate growth without compromising on environmental responsibilities."

Vivomed's Ronnie Lennon recognises the potential this new venture will create, both for the environment and the company’s performance on the international stage: "The investment will enable us to take on two more staff and we are anticipating a 70% increase in sales over the next three years.

"We are confident that we can secure sales in Europe and further afield as we increasingly focus on the development of new, market leading first aid and physiotherapy products."

Vivomed has two trading divisions, a pharmacy business and a first aid assembly business incorporating sports medicine and medical braces. The firm also operates four e-commerce websites.

The total investment figure is £840,358. Invest Northern Ireland has offered £182,758 towards property development costs.

The Carbon Trust is a UK wide initiative funded locally by Invest NI.

(PR)