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Warrenpoint based food to go manufacturer, Deli Lites has won yet another national award at the UK Sammie Awards, recognised as the Oscars in the sandwich and food to go industry awards.
The firm, launched in 1994 by co-founders, Brian and Jackie Reid took top prize in the highly competitive Hot Category for its premium Roast Mushroom, Truffle and Mascarpone Tosta. Company Food Innovation and Development Manager, Donna McGuire, was also a nominee in the final of the Sandwich Designer of the Year’s Kings Fine Cooked Meats Gammon category.
The latest accolade brings to six the number of awards won by the company in The Sammies in recent years.
The winning gourmet sandwich was developed with airlines in mind and for the higher-end premium market in general. Jackie Reid explains: “The product, created by our Innovation Team, was in many ways inspired by current global trends which place an increasing emphasis on gut health and great tasting, quality ingredients. We chose to use artisan Sourdough, along with truffle and mushrooms with the mascarpone adding a layer of pure luxury and premium indulgence.
“The standards within the Sammies continue to rise every year, so it was amazing to hear the judges were unanimous in awarding us the Hot Category Award which was open to any sandwich (not a range) marked by innovation in both the hot and cold sectors and including, sandwiches, wraps, baguettes and paninis.
“Obviously it’s great to win and to have Donna featuring as a finalist in the Designer of the Year category, but it’s a fantastic opportunity for us to see the very best within the sandwich and food to go sector from right across Britain and Northern Ireland. We always come away with fresh ideas to evolve our current product offering, which is based on an extensive use of local, Irish ingredients with an international twist.”
Donna’s entry, “Hoggin’ the Mojo”, was inspired by her Caribbean travels. “My creation was inspired by the bold, vibrant flavours I fell in love with during my travels in the Caribbean. I’ve always loved how sweet and savoury work together in the Caribbean cuisine, so I paired tender, high-quality gammon with candied papaya, a kick of Dijon mustard and finished it with a zingy mojo sauce all on thick-cut fresh bread to bring everything together for a delicious bite.”
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Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade had an engagement recently with the Stormont Infrastructure and Economy Ministers to discuss the huge opportunities and challenges to growing the economy of the area.
The Greater Newry Area can capitalise on huge opportunities for economic growth in the coming years if significant challenges can be overcome through a partnership approach with local Ministers.
That was the message that resonated from a positive Fireside Chat Engagement with the Infrastructure and Economy Ministers at a Newry Chamber Corporate Patrons Event at Killeavy Castle Estate on 8 May,
Edwina Flynn, President of Newry Chamber said: “Newry Chamber acknowledges that there are budgetary pressures facing the NI Executive and believes that collaboration is key to achieving economic growth and making our Central Government finances go further. The issues raised reflected this and the engagement was positive and informative.”
“Greater Newry has great potential to deliver significant economic growth over the coming years and today’s event demonstrated the Chamber’s commitment to working with our partners in Government and maximising that potential.”
The unique event, organised by the Chamber, provided the opportunity for the Chamber’s 40+ Corporate Patrons, which includes many of the leading employers across the Greater Newry Area, to meet with Infrastructure Minister, Liz Kimmins MLA and Economy Minister, Caoimhe Archibald MLA to discuss the economic and infrastructure challenges facing local businesses in the region and explore the huge opportunities available to our region through Dual Market Access, Cross-Border Trade and Innovation.
Welcoming the opportunity to discuss developing Newry into a 21st century city Infrastructure Minister, Liz Kimmins MLA said “The strategic direction of my Department is encompassed by seven foundations. These are foundations for a better future, in recognition of their importance to the people, to the economy and to the environment and because they underpin the work my Department is doing today, to shape a better tomorrow across the North.”
“The aim to achieve better planning, roads and wastewater are the challenges we face and through these foundations we are committed to improvement in the important services we deliver. I look forward to working together to help address the challenges ahead to deliver positive change for people, the economy and the environment.”
The event sponsored by Power NI focused on the theme of ‘Developing Greater Newry into a Sustainable City, Region and Economy for the 21st Century’ and during the discussions, both Ministers answered questions and engaged with the Chamber’s Corporate Patrons across a broad spectrum of issues.
Topics Discussed
Dual Market Access Opportunities
Growing Business Costs - The Rates Burden
Skills Challenges - Good Jobs & Leadership Development
Local Economic Partnerships - Regional Balance
Sustainable Infrastructure to Support Regional Economy
Funding Wastewater Treatment - Potential Solutions
Reform of Planning
Collaboration - Departmental/Stakeholder, North/South & East/West
Gary Sneddon, Key Account Manager at Power NI said: “Events like this provide an important platform for meaningful conversations between business and government, helping to identify both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”
“At Power NI, we are proud to support initiatives that drive development within the community across Northern Ireland and we look forward to continuing to work with the Chamber to help unlock the Newry’s full potential as we believe that continued collaboration will play a key role in shaping a successful and resilient future for the area.”
Following the Ministerial Fireside Chat, an informative panel discussion on the theme of ‘Developing Greater Newry into a Sustainable City, Region and Economy for the 21st Century’ with contributions from panellists Ronan Larkin, NI Water, Julie McCandless, Queen’s University, Colm Gribben, Viltra and Gary Sneddon, Power NI.
Michael Savage, CEO of Newry Chamber said: “Greater Newry is on the cusp of a decade of huge economic opportunity if the significant challenges we face around infrastructure, skills and Government supports can be overcome through a collaborative approach between business and NI Executive Ministers.”
“Today’s event provided a platform for positive engagement with two local Ministers and explored how we can unlock Newry’s significant economic potential through collaboration between business, NI Government Departments and Governments in Dublin and London.”
Economy Minister, Caoimhe Archibald MLA added: “I’d like to thank Newry Chamber for the opportunity to speak with its many patrons and local businesses today and to reinforce my Department’s commitment to supporting the Greater Newry area reach its economic potential. Government collaboration with local businesses is key to driving economic development and addressing regional imbalance across the North.”
“I welcomed the discussions with local businesses about the economic priorities and challenges facing the region. It was valuable to discuss how we can meet those challenges and harness the opportunities the Dublin-Belfast Economic Corridor and Dual Market Access present.”
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Dalzells of Markethill could quite possibly be the only shop you'll ever need when looking for home appliances, home entertainment or bedding, with an unsurpassed range of products on show. The independent family run business is looking forward to celebrating 70 years in business next year.
A unique selling point of Dalzells is that they have virtually everything in stock, unlike those stores who have to order your product in, with you waiting sometimes months for delivery. Additionally their fleet of 8 lorries on the road give you the option of free delivery across Northern Ireland, Dublin, Cavan, Monaghan and Louth, while also taking away your old appliance. Based in the small County Armagh market town they have the largest stock of Range Cookers and American Fridge Freezers anywhere in Ireland.
The third generation family-run retail and wholesale enterprise was founded in 1956 by Noel and Evelyn Dalzell. It's now run by Noel and Evelyn's son Trevor and wife Sharon while their son Chris is also part of the 28 strong team. They conduct retail and wholesale trade Ireland wide and also in parts of GB.
Explaining the business Chris Dalzell said "It's primarily a home appliance business, retail and wholesale. I suppose our thing would be the carrying of stock. That's always been our thing. We would carry anywhere between 8,000 and 10,000 large appliances at any time. So obviously, if you carry the stock you have it, you're not waiting. For example we have around 1000 range cookers in stock and our bed warehouse would have maybe 400 to 500 beds at any given time.
"We have all manner of kitchen appliances and Home Entertainment. We do quite a big line in stoves and fires. Multi fuel, wood burners, pellet stoves, gas fires - that's an increasingly big thing for us, people looking to have a secondary heat source in the house. We've quite a range of beds in stock and do a good bit online. We're big on adjustable beds with 10 on show at any time."
Dalzells are very proud of their bedding offering. Chris explains "Traditionally Dalzells have concentrated on Irish bedding brands. King Koil, Kaymed, Respa and Briody. "Believe it or not bed manufacturing is actually a big thing in Ireland. It's a massive thing. My grandad would have been very close friends with the founder of Respa who produce a lot of the springs for English manufacturers from their operation in Oldcastle."
Home Entertainment
Dalzells home entertainment section stocks televisions, sound bars, home cinemas. and everything else for the audiovisual enthusiast. Samsung LG and Sony rein, with TCL increasing in popularity.
While the Markethill store has definitely got larger over their 70 years the increasing size of televisions hasn't taken quite as long "Four or five years ago, 75" was a big screen, and these days 85" and 98" are getting popular but now they go up to 115"." said Chris.
"They're a lot less money than you think. You're talking about £1500 for a 98 inch TV, it's a lot of money, but at the same time, compared to where these things are, it's the one thing that's come down in price comparatively."
Appliances
For kitchen appliances every brand under the sun is there. You've the normal Bosch, Siemens, Miele, Hotpoint, Beko or Indesit and then the niche brands like Liebherr, and Fisher Paykel.
If you want a dishwasher that looks like a filing cabinet, you're in luck! Who knew that drawer dishwashers were a thing!
Cookers
Dalzells cooker range includes Rangemaster, Belling, Stove, Aga, Falcon and Mercury and Stanley. They even do the Lacanche and La Curnue hand built in France.
What's 'In' at Present
Nothing ever stays the same. A new innovation currently is the vented Hob and of course Dalzells has a wide selection.
"It used to be just a hob to cook on and you'd have your extractor above you, your cooker chimney, or an island or whatever. Not now! You have the extraction built into the hub with a panel in the centre with a motor." Chris explains.
The Smart Home is increasingly popular. "So your fridge freezer used to be just a 'fridge freezer'. Now it has a large screen on the front of it. It's effectively a large iPad, everything from family calendar to making video calls, children doing art on it to doing your shopping from your fridge. Then as well you can look inside your fridge, remotely from your phone to see what's there or what's not" said Chris.
A lot of the manufacturers now can control everything from the one app, your washing machine, your tumble dryer, your oven, your hob. And it's not just boiling water you can get from your taps, you now can get sparkling water and even chilled water from your tap.
A deal to be done
Dalzells in some ways are under the radar. "We're an organically built business, we probably don't push ourselves too much to the fore in many regards." said Chris.
"Things are a bit old -school, take us as you find us in a certain way. But people actually quite like that in so much as there's a deal to be done. We'll talk to you, a package deal, we'll work something out. We like happy customers. People make the effort to come to us and we will look after them."
You can find Dalzells at 62-68 Main Street, Markethill. Tel: 028 37551260
Check out their website at dalzells.com
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Minister for the Economy, Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA has marked Manufacturing NI’s (MNI) Manufacturing Month by launching the Manufacturing and the Northern Ireland Economy report on a visit to MJM Marine in Newry earlier this month. The ‘Meet the Makers’ event saw the Minister joined by other manufacturing businesses from across Northern Ireland meet global cruise ship interior fitout business MJM Marine and tour its production facilities.
Minister for the Economy, Dr Caoimhe Archibald said: “I welcome the opportunity to join Manufacturing NI in marking Manufacturing Month and launching this report at MJM Marine. It rightly recognises the positive impact that the manufacturing sector has on our local economy, jobs, and exports. Thank you to Manufacturing NI and everyone who contributed to the development of this report, and for the work you do to drive this sector forward.
“It is important that government policy is informed by, and co-designed with, industry. The report will provide helpful analysis as I progress the priorities of my economic vision.”
The report found that the manufacturing sector is a large contributor to the Northern Ireland economy, accounting for 13.4% of total economic output. The over £6 billion worth of output makes the sector the second largest in terms of economic contribution after retail and wholesale. The report also found that the sector accounts for 17% of private sector jobs and 21% of turnover, all while accounting for just 6% of total private business sector population.
On the visit Stephen Kelly, Chief Executive, Manufacturing NI, said: “MJM is a great example of what makes our manufacturing economy so strong. They provide good jobs at a regional level; they are export focused and have a huge indirect and induced impact on the economy.”
The sector accounted for nearly 100,000 jobs in 2023, representing one in 10 workforce jobs across Northern Ireland (compared to 7.1% in the UK), with 250,000 jobs in total – a quarter of all jobs in the NI economy – supported by the sector. For every £1 million manufacturing generates as a sector, its value has been found to increase to £1.7 million in total value.
Manufacturing Month, run by MNI, sees a series of events, including the Anchor High Summit, a major leadership summit in Belfast on 29th May. MJM Marine is part of the McConville family-owned Rathbane Group which includes a number of other local manufacturing businesses: Mivan, Topglass and NTS.
Gary Annett, CEO, MJM Marine, said: “It is an honour to welcome Minister Archibald MLA and the MNI members to MJM Marine to mark Manufacturing Month and the launch of this report. MJM Marine has grown over the past 40 years to become a global leader in the marine fitout industry, working with the best-known brands in the cruise industry including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Holland America.
“We could not have done this without a strong manufacturing base here in our home location in Newry. We hope that we can help to continue to develop Northern Ireland as a cluster region for providing quality service, demonstrating quality processes, and manufacturing quality products, which are celebrated and sold right across the world.”
Manufacturing Month runs until 29th May
See www.manufacturingmonthni.com for more
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Department for Economy (DfE) Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald and representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), visited SJ Henderson Fulfilment in Kilkeel earlier this month one of the local businesses to benefit from the Digital Transformation Flexible Fund (DTFF).
SJ Henderson Fulfilment Ltd is a third-party provider of warehousing, logistics and shipping services. They specialise in all aspects of online fulfilment, including e-fulfilment, warehousing and storage, pick and pack, distribution and returns management. The company’s receipt of a DTFF Letter of Offer places it among a growing number of businesses benefiting from the Digital Transformation Flexible Fund capital grant.
This achievement represents a significant step in SJ Henderson Fulfilment’s digital transformation journey, utilising advanced 3D scanning and data to enhance accuracy in warehousing and courier mapping while highlighting the DTFF programme’s crucial role in driving digital innovation amongst small and micro businesses and social enterprises.
Dr Caoimhe Archibald, Economy Minister said: “The Digital Transformation Flexible Fund provides funding for small and micro businesses across the north to engage in transformative digital solutions, which will drive innovation and boost productivity.
“SJ Henderson Fulfilment Ltd is a great example of a company which has taken the first step to automate its processes, which will pave the way for further digital transformation. This investment will make the company more efficient and allow it to fulfil more orders, increase its ability to meet the needs of more customers and grow its business.
“With £5 million of funding still available through this initiative, I encourage businesses across the north to seize this opportunity to increase transformation, boost competitiveness and accelerate economic growth.”
The £7.5 million DTFF programme is unique, operating across all City and Growth Deals in Northern Ireland, reflecting a shared ambition between central and local government to deliver digitally driven innovation to accelerate business growth and regional economic development.
Now in its fourth funding call since its launch in November 2023, DTFF has issued over 172 Letters of Offer worth £2.5 million. It has been instrumental in empowering businesses to adopt emerging technologies such as AI, Robotics, Immersive technologies and Big Data. As one of the first initiatives delivered through the complementary fund, the programme is already making a tangible impact on the ground.
DTFF is part-funded by the NI Executive, UK Government, DAERA and all local authorities in Northern Ireland. The programme is delivered by all 11 Councils under the Full Fibre Northern Ireland Consortium (FFNI) and is led by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, with support from Invest Northern Ireland. The fund is part of a broader digital ecosystem that serves as a stepping stone for businesses seeking additional Growth Deal funding to grow and develop their ideas.
Highlighting the programme’s significance, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Pete Byrne said: "The Digital Transformation Flexible Fund is not just about technology adoption; it’s about ensuring that businesses, regardless of size, have the opportunity to innovate, streamline operations and unlock new growth potential through digital transformation. SJ Henderson Fulfilment is a successful rural business in Newry, Mourne and Down and DTFF is a testament to our commitment to driving digital ambitions and supporting our local businesses as they embrace the future."
Martin McKendry, DAERA’s Head of Food, Farming and Rural Affairs Group, added: “I am delighted to be here today on behalf of Minister Muir. It is interesting to see how the Digital Transformation Flexible Fund investment has helped SJ Henderson Fulfilment Ltd transform its business in terms of providing a new digital storage and retrieval system for all its customers. The company has ambitious plans for growing its business over the next five years in terms of improving productivity, increasing revenue and providing additional employment and this investment has certainly helped it to start its growth journey.
“DAERA’s investment of £1.1m in the Digital Transformation Flexible Fund ensures that rural businesses such as SJ Henderson Fulfilment Ltd are given greater access opportunities for digital innovation support. I wish SJ Henderson Fulfilment Ltd every success in the future.”
DTFF is delivered in a series of closed calls with a further three calls planed up to March 2026. For more information visit: www.dtff.co.uk
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JMK Solicitors are celebrating the prestigious achievements of Una O’Neill and Maurece Hutchinson, who have both been recognised by the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL). APIL plays a vital role in advancing personal injury law and advocating for the rights of injured individuals.
Una O’Neill, Solicitor at JMK Solicitors, was recently appointed as Joint Regional Coordinator for APIL’s Northern Ireland group. This appointment continues the firm’s strong legacy, following in the footsteps of Maurece Hutchinson, who served as Joint Regional Coordinator from 2016 to 2022.
Una expressed her excitement for this new role, saying, "I’m proud to take on this position within APIL and remain committed to advocating for injured individuals. This opportunity allows me to support, inform, and educate our members while ensuring fair treatment for those we represent. It’s incredibly fulfilling to help clients on their road to recovery after an accident or injury, and I’m honoured to be part of a team dedicated to making a difference."
Una is one of 3 solicitors in JMK who are also accredited Senior Litigators, Andrew Moore and Sinéad Toal being the remaining two, recognising their expertise in personal injury claims
In addition, Maurece Hutchinson, Co-Founder of JMK Solicitors, has been awarded the distinguished title of Emeritus Fellow of APIL. This prestigious recognition highlights Maurece’s exceptional contributions to personal injury law. With nearly 30 years of APIL membership, Maurece previously held Fellow status—an independent mark of excellence in the field. After her service as Joint Regional Coordinator for APIL she continues to contribute to key legal consultations that shape the rights of injured people in Northern Ireland.
Reflecting on this Maurece commented, "I’m deeply honoured to receive the Emeritus Fellow recognition from APIL. For over 30 years, my passion has always been to help those who’ve experienced injury. Leading JMK Solicitors to be Northern Ireland’s number one practice for over a decade has been incredibly rewarding. Our commitment to prioritising clients and securing justice for injured individuals is at the heart of all that we do at JMK Solicitors. To be recognised by APIL is truly humbling."
If you have information about this incident or can help with the investigation please call police at Ardmore on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number:
You can also submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org
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Newry-based S&W Wholesale is celebrating after being named winner of the Employer of the Year Award at the prestigious Belfast Telegraph Business Awards 2025, where it was recognised for its outstanding business achievements and workplace culture.
The award highlights S&W Wholesale’s exceptional focus on shared success, fairness, and sustainable growth - values that have shaped the company’s remarkable journey. In addition to this win, S&W Wholesale is also shortlisted for Best Wellbeing in the Workplace Strategy (Large Business) at the upcoming Irish News Workplace & Employment Awards, underscoring its commitment to creating a supportive and thriving environment for its employees.
Anthony McVeigh, the CEO of S&W said: “We are incredibly proud to be recognised at this level. Our people are at the heart of everything we do - from supporting wellbeing to driving innovation - and this award is a testament to the hard work, passion, and shared success of our entire team.”
Mr McVeigh sees the employee ownership model as a key to its success. “We’re quite unique in Northern Ireland in that we’re an employee ownership trust, so our business is run for the benefit of the employees. We like to see that as a unique selling point whenever we try to recruit and retain people. We’ve been an EOT for two years, and we’ve seen the employees take a real interest, because they essentially have a profit share in the business.”
“They see it as their money, they want the business to do well. They don’t want to waste things, to see a lack of efficiency.”
S&W Wholesale’s success reflects a broader trend of excellence among employee-owned businesses across the region. Relinea, another leading employer-owned company in Northern Ireland, was also shortlisted for the Belfast Telegraph Business Awards, for Excellence in Exporting. Adding to the momentum, Employee Ownership Ireland, business alliance and voice of employee-owned businesses, has also been shortlisted for CSR Programme of the Year at the upcoming Irish News Workplace & Employment Awards. This recognition highlights the growing momentum behind employee ownership as a model that drives commercial success while putting people at the centre.
Employee ownership is a fast-growing business model in Northern Ireland and beyond, giving employees a meaningful stake and voice in the companies they help to build. Research shows that employee-owned businesses often deliver stronger performance, higher productivity, and greater employee wellbeing, benefits clearly reflected in the achievements of companies like S&W Wholesale. Employee Ownership Ireland is on a mission to increase the uptake of employee ownership in the region and make it the succession model of choice for local business owners.
For S&W Wholesale, the awards mark not just a win, but a celebration of its people-first approach. As the company looks to the future, it remains committed to building on its values of fairness, wellbeing, and shared success.
For more information visit: S&W Wholesale
For more information on becoming an employee owned business visit: www.employeeownershipireland.com
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Mulkerns Maxol in Newry is celebrating after securing an award at the annual Maxol Excellence Awards hosted in Belfast recently. The well known store was presented with Excellence in Standards after achieving the highest scoring site across all internal standards audits.
The annual scheme promotes and rewards excellence in station and store standards, customer experience, and community engagement across the Maxol network. Standards are assessed through store audits by regional managers and the team from head office, along with mystery shopper visits and reviews of each store’s local community engagement, which includes fundraising activities for Maxol’s nominated charity, Guide Dogs NI.
Under the leadership of Terry Mulkerns, the store has maintained a strong focus on excellence over the past year through rigorous internal audits, quality control checks in-store, and regular staff training sessions. These activities have a combined focus on enhancing their customers’ experience and overall store presentation.
Terry Mulkerns said: "We’re honoured to receive the Maxol Excellence in Standards Award. This recognition reflects our team's dedication to exceptional customer service and maintaining high operational standards. This award is a testament to the hard work and commitment of every staff member at Mulkerns.”
Brian Donaldson, CEO of The Maxol Group, said: “The continued success of our business is driven by the passion, commitment, and drive for continuous improvement that we see from our fantastic teams, and it’s what makes us an industry-leading convenience retailer. I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Terry and his team, who continue to set the gold standard across the Maxol network.”
A further six service stations across Northern Ireland were recognised for their exceptional efforts including: Maxol A26 Tannaghmore in Antrim, Maxol Braid River in Ballymena, Maxol Edenderry on the Crumlin Road and Independent Dealer owned and operated locations at Maxol Clough owned by Henderson Retail Limited, Kenny’s Kilrea Service Station in Coleraine and Litter’s Maxol in Portadown.
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Two leaders in the Northern Ireland manufacturing sector operating locally have been honoured for their commitment to the sector at the Manufacturing NI Hall of Fame Awards on 29 May. Patricia Clements, Managing Director of Bradfor Ltd. and Brian McConville CBE, Chair of MJM Group/Rathbane Group were inducted into the Manufacturing NI Hall of Fame along with Joanne Liddle, Managing Director of IPC Mouldings in recognition of their significant contributions to manufacturing in Northern Ireland.
First launched in 2022 as part of Manufacturing Month, the Manufacturing NI Hall of Fame Awards recognise individuals who have started or grown a Northern Irish manufacturing business significantly and sustainably, enhancing not only the region’s manufacturing reputation through product and sectoral development, but also by being highly respected by their peers, adding to the communities in which their businesses operate, and supporting community initiatives and causes.
Brian McConville CBE established MJM Marine in Newry in 1983, and the company has evolved into a global marine outfitting specialist. In its Northern Ireland headquarters, the company combines traditional craftsmanship with the latest technology to create bespoke joinery and outfitting solutions. Brian is Chair of both MJM Marine and the Rathbane Group, a leading expert in the construction of high end and complex projects, which comprises MJM Marine, Mivan, Topglass, Rathbane Holdings, and NTS.
McConville said: "I’m honoured to be inducted into the Manufacturing NI Hall of Fame. This recognition reflects the hard work and dedication of our teams across The Rathbane Group. I’m proud of what we’ve built and look forward to seeing the next generation carry it forward, growing world-class businesses from right here in Northern Ireland.”
Patricia Clements is the founder and Managing Director of Bradfor Ltd, based in Rostrevor. Responsible for running all facets of Bradfor’s textile business for the last 29 years, she has developed an outstanding reputation as a key supplier for leading OEMs in the aerospace and medical seating industry.
Clements said: "I am deeply honoured to be inducted into the Manufacturing NI Hall of Fame. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire Bradfor team. Our journey in the aerospace and medical seating industries has been challenging yet very rewarding, and I am proud of the many textile solutions we have brought to our clients locally and across the globe."
Stephen Kelly, CEO, Manufacturing NI, said: “There is no better way to bring the curtain down on another successful Manufacturing Month than by honouring the giants of industry who continue to pave the way today. Patricia, Joanne, and Brian are all familiar faces to those of us in the industry who have had outsized and outstanding impacts in their relevant sectors, their local economies and further afield.
“Manufacturing Month exists to celebrate people like Patricia, Joanne, and Brian. The sector is nothing without its makers and for us to recognise them in this way is the least we can do. When we talk about the impressive stats the sector posts in Northern Ireland – from share of economic output to share of employment – these are the people behind those stats. For the next generation of makers, theirs is the example to follow.”
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