Aughnacloy businesses expansion plans could create 40 jobs

A PROPOSAL to build a new workshop by two electrical companies in the Aughnacloy area could create 40 jobs if planning permission is granted.

Plans have been submitted for a light industrial unit workshop with space for administration and staff facilities at Sydney Street in the town.

The proposed facility would be used by Electrical Control Systems (ECS) NI Ltd and Mullan Lighting.

ECS NI is at capacity in its current location, where it manufactures electrical control panels, and hopes to expand into the new building alongside Mullan Lighting, which was established in 2009. It supplies lighting for retail brands.

“ECS NI are presently at capacity and risk turning down business. With multiple jobs on the floor and a lot more in the pipeline, ECS NI has simply run out of space for project build and the staff to build them,” said a planning statement provided by Oonagh Given Architects.

“It is envisaged that up to 25 new jobs will be created in addition to those already in existence, expanding to 40 by 2025.”

At the moment, the ground earmarked for the new manufacturing facility is overgrown and undeveloped, but that could be all about to change. The new factory will see the manufacture of decorative light fittings for the market in the North.

Mullan Lighting has ambitions to double its size within five years, after starting with one employee in 2009 and growing to 90 at the moment.

Based in the village of Mullan, just across the border from Aughnacloy in Co Monaghan, it has clients in many parts of South Tyrone, including Dungannon, Moy and Cookstown and supplies to 100 firms across the North.

The planning application has been submitted to Mid Ulster District Council.