Londonderry-based Gallagher & McKinney Ltd has built a new manufacturing facility at Skeoge Industrial Park and is creating 14 new jobs.

The mechanical engineering and piping specialist provides contract and sub-contract project management on piping projects, including the manufacture and installation of steel work support systems.

Managing director Seamus Mellon (www.gmck.com) said: “Historically, we have worked as a sub-contractor on large piping projects, but we have recently acted as principal contractor on substantial projects with Seagate Technology and are now looking to build on this part of our business.

“Investing in our team is crucial to our strategy to grow our business and bid for larger contracts; we are grateful for Invest NI’s support to recruit and get these positions in place quickly.”

The company is keen to build internal digital expertise by recruiting BIM/CAD operatives and junior engineers, along
with skilled fitters and welders.

It is also committed to investing in its apprentice training scheme, with five new apprentices being hired each year.

Invest NI has offered the company £94,500 towards the new jobs, half of which are already in place.

Bill Montgomery, director of Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering at Invest NI, said: “The company bought its first one-acre site on our Skeoge Industrial Park in 2017, with the option to expand onto an adjacent three-acre site, which it has now done.

"The new manufacturing facility has now been built; it includes a 10,000ft² stainless-steel pipe fabrication workshop and a two-acre laydown area.

"This will significantly increase the company’s capacity to bring more work in-house and secure larger projects to meet the growing needs of clients.”