Portadown furniture manufacturers, Thomas W McDonagh, have opened a new studio facility to enhance the company's design and marketing capabilities.

Currently employing 100 people making furniture mainly for independent retailers in the UK and the Republic of Ireland, the increased design capability offered by the new facility, which will create up to eight new jobs, will be aimed at targeting the big retail groups in Great Britain. A sharper focus on marketing in the last year has led to increased awareness of the brand in this target market.

The studio, part of a total company investment of £687,000 backed by Invest Northern Ireland, was opened by Bruce Robinson, Permanent Secretary of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, during a visit to the company.

Mr Robinson said Thomas W McDonagh had increased turnover by 50% in the last four years, a success achieved through a focus on design, marketing and strong management.

He said: “Invest NI is actively promoting a design conscious culture within local business as part of a wider strategy that focuses on the importance of innovation in improving overall competitiveness.

“As product life-cycles become shorter because of rapid changes in technology and consumer trends and intense global competition, the ability to re-invent through strategic innovation in areas such as design and functionality becomes vitally important.

“This strategy reflects a recognition that now, more than ever before, the strength of an economy is dependent on the creativity, ingenuity and vigour of its people."

Thomas W McDonagh have invested in a design facility that the company hope will build on the success of its Fusion range of modern furniture.

Managing Director Terry McDonagh said: “As a result of the changes we have made in recent years to improve production processes and with the high level of innovative design we can offer, we are now in a position to compete for orders from the very big players in the UK.

"Feedback from representatives of the big chains who have visited our new design studio has been very positive. We are confident that we can meet the needs of customers who increasingly want products faster to market, and sourced from suppliers who have the ability to meet their design expectations.”

(SP)