Dungannon-based EDGE Innovate, a manufacturer of materials-handling equipment, is implementing a four-year expansion programme focused on innovation, employment, skills development and export growth (www.edgeinnovate.com).

The company is investing nearly £8 million in a new 37,500ft² factory, plus expanded office facilities. The investment also includes the creation of 80 new roles and a leadership and skills development programme.

The new roles will generate nearly £2 million annually in additional salaries.

Alastair Hamilton, Invest Northern Ireland’s chief executive, said: “EDGE Innovate is a global exporter on a significant growth trajectory.

"We have worked closely with the company for a number of years now, and it is a pleasure to see the results of its commitment.

"EDGE Innovate has worked with our teams in a number of markets, and recently secured a significant export deal with one of the largest engineering groups in Oman.

"This investment by the company is a result of this ambitious growth and is a significant commitment to its future, its staff and the local area.”

The recruitment of 80 additional staff is well under way, with almost half of the roles already filled. Invest NI has offered the company over £957,000 towards its investments aimed at driving continued export growth.

Niall McKiver, EDGE Innovate operations director, said: “Our sales and marketing department has been working with Invest NI’s teams to realise new export sales.

"The contract signed in Oman for our industrial waste shredder was as a result of an introduction by Invest NI and support from the team in UAE to help us close the deal.

"Our ambition is to continue to build on recent successes and to further expand our reach, particularly in North America.”