Strabane-based Fabplus (www.fabplus.co.uk) — a specialist supplier of bespoke pre-fabricated pipework for fire sprinkler systems — is planning to more than double its workforce and its turnover with support from Invest Northern Ireland.

This is part of a three-year plan to increase its market share in the Republic of Ireland and the UK — and to gain a foothold in mainland Europe and Scandinavia.

Recruitment is under way to employ 83 more people at the business, including 70 new production staff.

The company plans to invest £7 million to expand its factory space, storage and R&D facilities, develop an in-house powder coating and pipe optimisation capability and implement a staff training plan.

Invest NI has offered the company over £786,000 towards its expansion, including £187,590 of R&D support (part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund).

Speaking after a visit to the company’s facility in December, Invest NI chief executive Alastair Hamilton said: “Fabplus is an established family business that has experienced considerable growth over the last five years.

“It has been working in partnership with Invest NI during this time and has developed a strong competitive advantage in the UK market-place.”