BUSINESS
Andor creates over 85 Belfast jobs
08-04-2003
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Belfast-based Andor Technology is set to create more than 85 jobs as part of a government-supported STG6 million investment in new premises.
The 14-year-old business, which develops and manufactures scientific cameras for the nanotechnology and life sciences industries, said that over the next three years the firm will boost its headcount to 190. Currently the company has 83 Belfast-based employees and 20 sales staff in the US, Europe and Japan. The new jobs come as the firm pumps over STG5 million into a new facility, with Invest Northern Ireland adding close to STG1 million in selective financial assistance.
Andor, which will enlarge within the west Belfast Springvale Business Park, said the expansion will allow it to use new manufacturing processes that will lead to a 400 percent reduction in total process time, as well as increasing efficiency, productivity and profitability. A privately owned firm, Andor says that over the past five years it has enjoyed "steady and profitable growth."
"This major investment will help it to achieve the ambitious growth targets it has set for itself, which are based on continuing product innovation and development," said Ian Pearson, MP, Minister with responsibility for Enterprise, Trade & Investment, announcing the new project. "World-class companies such as Andor enhance Northern Ireland's reputation as a global centre of excellence in the leading edge technology required for the growing life sciences market," he added.
Andor Technology was formed when it spun out from research at Queen's University and it maintains close links with the institution. The company formed in July 1989 at the university's physics department and in 1997 it moved to Springvale. Andor develops and manufactures scientific cameras used in optical spectroscopy applications, such as the use of light to examine the physical properties of solid, liquid and gaseous substances.
"Andor is a shining example of the successful commercialisation of research, which is an area of great potential for Northern Ireland," claimed Professor Fabian Monds, chairman of Invest NI, who also welcomed the new investment.
Dr Hugh Cormican, managing director of Andor Technology, said that the company's objective is to become recognised as a market leader in the specialist field in which it works. "We will continue to invest in R&D and are also strengthening our sales and marketing capacity in the US, Europe and Japan," he said.
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