Ryobi Aluminium Casting (UK) Ltd is to invest £32 million in its Carrickfergus plant, creating 100 new jobs. The Japanese-owned company manufactures aluminium die-casting products for the European automotive market; investing in new machinery will enable it to expand its product range.

Invest Northern Ireland has offered over £2 million of assistance, part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund. First Minister Peter Robinson said: “Ryobi Aluminium Casting is one of Northern Ireland’s longest-established inward investors, and this latest investment in its only European plant is a further indication of its commitment to Northern Ireland. This announcement reinforces the growing global appeal that we have as a great place in which to invest and to grow your business.”

Ryobi’s chairman, Hiroshi Urakami, who travelled from Japan for the investment announcement, said: “Ryobi Group is a global leader in specialist die-casting technology, and we are confident that our workforce at Ryobi Aluminium Casting (UK) can help us maintain that position in Europe. Over the years, we have received excellent support from Invest NI; we consider them to be an important partner in our on-going development and growth in Northern Ireland.”