Londonderry-based Evergreen Lawns is to invest £1 million into expanding operations, with help from Invest NI.

The investment will go towards helping the firm cultivate greater sales across the UK.

Invest NI will assist, the ready-to-lay turf and tile producer, develop current markets, and offer advice on how to better position its product further a field.

Located in Eglinton, Derry, the firm is expected to create up to seven new jobs within the next year, as part of its investment scheme.

Managing Director John Jameson Snr said the company aims to develop sales with retailers, local authorities and contractors in Great Britain, with a focus on sport clubs, and the Isle of Man.

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Mr Jameson, who established the business in 1999, said: "A shortage of suitable land has constrained our growth. We've now addressed this by the purchase of an additional 125 acres of land at Myroe, near Limavady."

"Without this additional land on which to grow lawn turf, we will not be able to expand and to keep up with what is an increasingly competitive marketplace," added the MD.

Invest NI's Des Gartland said: "This expansion meets our three strategic priorities, it is an entrepreneurial and successful business that has a clear focus on innovative products and services geared for markets outside Northern Ireland."

Through its expansion into export markets the company aims to generate over 33% of its sales outside Northern Ireland.

"The expansion of this export-focused business, in addition, is an important boost to the economy of a predominantly rural community," added Mr Gartland.

(PR/JM)