A County Down rigging firm has bolstered international sales with help from Invest NI.

Irish Spars and Rigging Ltd, based in Saintfield, has increased export turnover, making it a market leader in masts, rigging and bespoke canvas work supplies to the marine sector.

The firm also provides architectural rigging to the construction industry.

After investing in export marketing activities last year, with Invest NI backing, the company has exceeded previous sales targets to become the leading supplier of canvas boat covers across Ireland.

As a result, exports now account for the majority of the company’s total turnover.

Irish Spars and Rigging has also recently relocated to new, high specification premises which have further enhanced production capability.

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Managing Director Nigel Allen said: "With a unique bespoke design service and high standard of product finishing, the company had already attracted a strong local customer base and achieved some success in the Republic of Ireland since its establishment in 1990.

"However, when I acquired the company last year, I was aware that there would be even more scope for growth if we could further penetrate the target market."

Mr Allen said Invest NI helped fund advertising activities, boosted the firm's presence at trade shows across Ireland.

"This has not only boosted our marine sector sales but also helped us secure contracts to supply architectural rigging and canvas for projects as diverse as luggage conveyors in Dublin Airport and the treetop walk in Lough Kee Forest Park in Sligo," added Mr Allen.

Invest NI’s Mark Bleakney described the firm as an excellent example of a small local company gaining a competitive advantage by providing a high quality, premium range of products.

"With a strong presence in lucrative markets such as the Shannon Waterways network and Dublin coastal area and an increasing emphasis on supplying specialised architectural rigging, the company is now well placed to continue to grow," said Mr Bleakney.

(PR)