County Down-based Bradfor Ltd, a leading manufacturer of aircraft interiors, is extending its site in Rostrevor and investing in new machinery (www.Bradfor.co.uk).

The announcement came after the firm received a Business Excellence Award from SC21, a programme designed to accelerate the competitiveness of the aerospace and defence industry.

Established in 1996 as a family-run business with six employees, the company has a product range that includes seat covers, head-rest covers, straps and diaphragms.

Managing director Patricia Clements said: “Bradfor has grown exponentially since 1996. We now employ over 100 people and export globally, especially to the USA and Canada.

“This extension and new technology for lamination and embossing processes will lead to new contracts with a number of customers and will create six new jobs. It is important that we remain cost-competitive, and this expansion allows us to do just that.”

Alastair Hamilton, chief executive of Invest Northern Ireland, said: “This investment by Bradfor Ltd signals its commitment to building on its global success.

“We are delighted to be able to support Bradfor in growing and developing new processes for this sector, and we look forward to seeing how the business progresses.”