From:Packaging News

Food packaging manufacturer Boran-Mopack has spent £2.4m and created 10 new jobs in Strabane, Northern Ireland, as part of an export growth drive.

John Hood, Invest NI, with Mairtin Boran, MD Boran-Mopack

The firm, whose processes include extrusion and flexographic printing, is aiming to double exports over the next two years following the investment in machinery and equipment at its premises in Strabane, bolstered by Invest NI funding of £250,000.

Boran-Mopack was formed in 2003 and is part of the Boran group of companies in Naas, Co Kildare, which also includes Boran Plastic Packaging. It currently employs 65 people in Strabane and, in 2014, reported pre-tax profits of £955,000 on sales of £11m.

The company, which makes packaging for clients including crisp giant Tayto, is hoping to branch out into packaging for frozen food, snacks and baked goods.

Mairtin Boran, Boran-Mopack managing director , said: “This investment signals our commitment to drive the long-term growth of the business, and Invest NI’s support has been vital in ensuring we can implement our expansion plans.

“Enhancing our production capabilities to enable us to produce a higher definition of print quality will help us gain an advantage in a competitive industry. With opportunities identified in frozen foods, snacks and baked products, we are working hard to maximise our sales potential and achieve our export ambitions.”

John Hood, director of food at Invest NI, said: “This important investment has enhanced Boran-Mopack’s production capabilities and positioned the business to reduce its lead times and secure sales in new markets and sectors. Invest NI’s support is underpinning the growth of this business.

The 10 new production jobs created in Strabane as a result of the investment is welcome news for the town, and a positive boost for the food and drink manufacturing industry.”