A Northern Ireland food manufacturer has announced plans to expand its production facilities.

The move by Kestrel Foods, based in Carn, has been backed by Invest NI and welcomed by Economy Minister Arlene Foster.

In addition to new production facilities, the firm has also committed itself to extensive management and employee training, as well as the expansion of the company's product range to increase sales outside Northern Ireland.

Minister Foster said: "This very substantial commitment to new products and staff training is being undertaken by this ambitious locally-owned company to strengthen its competitive advantage in markets outside Northern Ireland.

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"The investment in new products and further development of its successful Forest Feast brand, is projected to double turnover and result in a 60% growth in sales outside Northern Ireland over the next three years," she said.

Michael Hall, Managing Director of Kestrel Foods, commenting on the company's expansion plans, said: "This is a very significant and strategic investment for us in new products for exciting market opportunities that we have identified from our own research and ongoing contacts with key retailers.

"The investment in skills will also increase our overall competitiveness."

He added: "Invest NI has worked closely with us across a range of programmes especially in terms of measures to enhance our competitiveness. We also found the services provides by the team of marketing advisers to be very supportive."

(PR/JM)