A Castledawson-based building firm is aiming to shore-up sales of its specialist products in the Republic with help from Invest NI.

Modern Building Solutions, formed last November, develops modular homes and leisure buildings, which are manufactured off-site in its factory.

Managing Director Michael Stewart and Production Director Noel Teague hope to expand on business opportunities south of the border, and have received backing from Invest NI.

The firm said it plans to create six new posts for skilled workers over the next year, and expects to grow exports to the Republic to around 40% of turnover.

Des Gartland, Invest NI’s North West Regional Office Manager, said: "Modern Building Solutions has identified a significant business opportunity for high quality homes that are affordable and likely to appeal in particular to first-time buyers, retirees and those seeking leisure accommodation.

-- Advertisement --

"The current position of sterling against the euro also gives the company a sharper competitive edge in the Republic, which it is keen to exploit as quickly as possible.

"The project is also being driven by two experienced business people who have extensive knowledge of the advantages offered by off-site manufacturing techniques," said Mr Gartland.

"The investment will extend the knowledge base within the construction sector in the North West and will provide worthwhile employment for skilled workers. It will also, of course, offer a realistic option for first-time buyers seeking an affordable home," he added.

Mr Stewart said: "As well as offering first-time buyers an opportunity to acquire a quality and very competitively priced home, our market research has highlighted significant scope to develop business in the leisure and light commercial sectors.

"Modular construction is now widely accepted as a very cost-effective means of developing quality buildings faster and to the same exacting standards as traditional ‘bricks and mortar’ techniques."

He said there is growing interest in his firm's turnkey solutions across Ireland.

(PR/KMcA)