Dromore-based manufacturing company, UPU Industries, has invested £1.2m in its production facilities, enabling it to cater for growing demand for its specialist product range in key export markets.
The investment by UPU, which manufactures crop wrapping, binding and protection products for the agricultural sector, will enable the company to increase production capacity significantly this year. The company is also expanding its workforce with the creation of 12 new positions across both sales and manufacturing roles.
Best known for its market-leading ‘Farmer’s’ branded range of agricultural wrapping solutions, the company has also recently developed its product offering to include ‘Reflectornet’ pallet netting – an innovative alternative to the standard plastic wrapping used to package and transport fresh or perishable goods.
UPU Industries, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, already exports to 25 countries worldwide including South Africa, Australia and Israel. It also operates a large-scale manufacturing plant in Kansas, USA, where it employs 60 people and is the leading domestic producer of agriculture bale netting.
Phillip Orr, CEO of UPU Industries said: “This investment is part of our strategic plan to grow our market share with our well established range of agricultural products, and open new markets through our innovative new pallet net products which are proving to have a wide range of applications.
“Developing innovative solutions which meet our customers’ needs is central to our success, and thanks to this investment, we are delighted to be launching four new products this year.
“To support this drive and build our momentum, we are strengthening our production team at Dromore, while focusing attention on the export market through the appointment of an international sales director. This is an exciting time for everyone at UPU and we are confident that this investment will enable us to take the business to the next level and consolidate our position in the global market.”
