18/08/2025
Investment Boost For NI Engineering And Manufacturing Firms
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has announced that four companies in Newry and South Armagh are investing almost £2 million to create new jobs and boost exports.
The investment will enable Pronto Engineering, Sheaney, Versaffix, and Viltra to boost productivity, increase capacity, and grow exports to the Republic of Ireland, Britain, and Europe.
Invest NI has offered £191,700 of support towards the projects.
The announcement was made during a visit to Versaffix, a manufacturer of tiltrotators for excavators in Lislea. The company is investing £701,000 and creating 8 new jobs to build its management team and increase production capacity. This will support the commercialisation of its products and help it expand its global reach.
Viltra, a provider of wastewater treatment solutions in Newry, is investing £514,000 to strengthen its management team and production capacity, recruiting 6 new roles.
In Camlough, Pronto Engineering, which designs complex industrial automation solutions, is investing £462,000 to increase productivity and create 6 jobs.
Sheaney, a specialist in marine, civil engineering, and infrastructure project management based in Newry, is investing £270,000 to grow exports to the Republic of Ireland and create 4 new jobs.
The Minister stated that supporting rural SMEs is crucial for creating long-term economic resilience and aligns with her vision to recalibrate economic development by creating good jobs and addressing regional imbalances.
The roles created across the four companies include software engineers, technicians, and a range of production, mechanical, electrical, and managerial positions.
John McKibben, Southern Regional Manager at Invest NI, highlighted the organisation's commitment to supporting businesses in the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area. He noted that in 2024-25, Invest NI has offered almost £8m of support to over 130 companies in the region, contributing to a total investment of £47m in the local economy and the creation of 289 new jobs.
The investment will enable Pronto Engineering, Sheaney, Versaffix, and Viltra to boost productivity, increase capacity, and grow exports to the Republic of Ireland, Britain, and Europe.
Invest NI has offered £191,700 of support towards the projects.
The announcement was made during a visit to Versaffix, a manufacturer of tiltrotators for excavators in Lislea. The company is investing £701,000 and creating 8 new jobs to build its management team and increase production capacity. This will support the commercialisation of its products and help it expand its global reach.
Viltra, a provider of wastewater treatment solutions in Newry, is investing £514,000 to strengthen its management team and production capacity, recruiting 6 new roles.
Sheaney, a specialist in marine, civil engineering, and infrastructure project management based in Newry, is investing £270,000 to grow exports to the Republic of Ireland and create 4 new jobs.
The Minister stated that supporting rural SMEs is crucial for creating long-term economic resilience and aligns with her vision to recalibrate economic development by creating good jobs and addressing regional imbalances.
The roles created across the four companies include software engineers, technicians, and a range of production, mechanical, electrical, and managerial positions.
John McKibben, Southern Regional Manager at Invest NI, highlighted the organisation's commitment to supporting businesses in the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area. He noted that in 2024-25, Invest NI has offered almost £8m of support to over 130 companies in the region, contributing to a total investment of £47m in the local economy and the creation of 289 new jobs.
Latest Northern Ireland News
18 August 2025
Man Dies After Fatal Ballyclare Hit-And-Run
A man in his 50s has died following a one-vehicle hit-and-run road traffic collision on the Ballyeaston Road area of Ballyclare on Friday, 15 August 2025. Shortly before 10:35pm, a man and a woman were struck by a car that failed to stop at the scene.
Man Dies After Fatal Ballyclare Hit-And-Run
A man in his 50s has died following a one-vehicle hit-and-run road traffic collision on the Ballyeaston Road area of Ballyclare on Friday, 15 August 2025. Shortly before 10:35pm, a man and a woman were struck by a car that failed to stop at the scene.
18 August 2025
Cross-Party Support For Medical Aid For Palestinian Children
There is growing cross-party political support for a humanitarian initiative to bring injured children from Gaza to Northern Ireland to receive urgent medical treatment. The move was welcomed in separate statements from the Alliance Party and Sinn Féin, with the latter confirming the Northern Executive has agreed to participate.
Cross-Party Support For Medical Aid For Palestinian Children
There is growing cross-party political support for a humanitarian initiative to bring injured children from Gaza to Northern Ireland to receive urgent medical treatment. The move was welcomed in separate statements from the Alliance Party and Sinn Féin, with the latter confirming the Northern Executive has agreed to participate.
18 August 2025
Bank of Ireland Warns of Rise in Investment Scams
The Bank of Ireland has urged consumers to "stay alert to scammers" who are seeking to lure savings into fake investment pots. The bank has reported a rise in fraudulent ads for trading and investment products, from cryptocurrency to more traditional bonds, being presented to consumers on a daily basis.
Bank of Ireland Warns of Rise in Investment Scams
The Bank of Ireland has urged consumers to "stay alert to scammers" who are seeking to lure savings into fake investment pots. The bank has reported a rise in fraudulent ads for trading and investment products, from cryptocurrency to more traditional bonds, being presented to consumers on a daily basis.
18 August 2025
Investment Boost For NI Engineering And Manufacturing Firms
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has announced that four companies in Newry and South Armagh are investing almost £2 million to create new jobs and boost exports.
Investment Boost For NI Engineering And Manufacturing Firms
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has announced that four companies in Newry and South Armagh are investing almost £2 million to create new jobs and boost exports.
18 August 2025
UUP Leader Makes Case For NI Remaining In The Union
Ulster Unionist Party leader Mike Nesbitt has argued that Northern Ireland and its citizens are "much better served" by remaining part of the UK.
UUP Leader Makes Case For NI Remaining In The Union
Ulster Unionist Party leader Mike Nesbitt has argued that Northern Ireland and its citizens are "much better served" by remaining part of the UK.
18 August 2025
Police Investigation After Belfast City Centre Protest
Police attended a planned protest in the Donegall Square North area of Belfast city centre on Sunday, 17 August. Officers were deployed to the operation, including specially trained evidence gatherers, and were assisted by the Air Support Unit. During the demonstration, those involved blocked Chichester Street for a short period of time.
Police Investigation After Belfast City Centre Protest
Police attended a planned protest in the Donegall Square North area of Belfast city centre on Sunday, 17 August. Officers were deployed to the operation, including specially trained evidence gatherers, and were assisted by the Air Support Unit. During the demonstration, those involved blocked Chichester Street for a short period of time.
18 August 2025
The Role Of Gaelic Games In Strengthening Community Identity
Gaelic games, particularly Gaelic football and hurling, have long been cornerstones of cultural life in Northern Ireland. Deeply rooted in tradition and national pride, these sports go far beyond athletic competition—they reflect a shared sense of heritage and identity that transcends generations.
The Role Of Gaelic Games In Strengthening Community Identity
Gaelic games, particularly Gaelic football and hurling, have long been cornerstones of cultural life in Northern Ireland. Deeply rooted in tradition and national pride, these sports go far beyond athletic competition—they reflect a shared sense of heritage and identity that transcends generations.
18 August 2025
Other News In Brief
Appeal Following Serious Assault In East Belfast The PSNI have issued an appeal for information and witnesses following an assault in east Belfast in the early hours of Sunday, 17th August. At approximately 12.
Other News In Brief
Appeal Following Serious Assault In East Belfast The PSNI have issued an appeal for information and witnesses following an assault in east Belfast in the early hours of Sunday, 17th August. At approximately 12.
15 August 2025
NI Students Celebrate Top A-level Results
Education Minister Paul Givan has congratulated students across Northern Ireland after they received their BTEC, AS, and A level examination results. The results showed that around a third of A level students were awarded the highest grades of A* to A, with Northern Ireland retaining its position as the top-performing region in the United Kingdom.
NI Students Celebrate Top A-level Results
Education Minister Paul Givan has congratulated students across Northern Ireland after they received their BTEC, AS, and A level examination results. The results showed that around a third of A level students were awarded the highest grades of A* to A, with Northern Ireland retaining its position as the top-performing region in the United Kingdom.
15 August 2025
Mela Carnival Parade To Cause Belfast Traffic Delays
Motorists are being advised of significant traffic disruption in Belfast city centre on Saturday, 16 August, due to the Mela Carnival parade and other road closures.
Mela Carnival Parade To Cause Belfast Traffic Delays
Motorists are being advised of significant traffic disruption in Belfast city centre on Saturday, 16 August, due to the Mela Carnival parade and other road closures.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.