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Family-run Omagh company provides new year jobs boost

Thursday, 19 January 2012

Arlene Foster, Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, watches Darren Fanthorpe, right, at work wiring a panel during her visit to JMG Systems at Omagh Enterprise Centre. AN0310

JOB prospects in Omagh and surrounds have been given a timely boost with the announcement that JMG Systems Ltd is to create an additional 21 new jobs with support from Invest Northern Ireland.
The news was announced during a visit by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI) Minister, Arlene Foster, to the Derry Road-based company.
The company, which has also recently opened a new production facility in Gortrush Industrial Estate, provides engine monitoring systems, from prototype development to full scale systems for recycling, construction, quarrying, crushing, aircraft ground support and automotive equipment. It has supplied products to the world's leading 'Original Equipment Manufacturers.'
From its humble beginnings in 1976, when the company employed just two people, the family-run business has gone from strength to strength over the years, and currently employs 83 people.
Commenting on the investment, JMG general manager, Joanne McCaul, said that despite experiencing difficulties in 2009 as a result of the recession, the company continued to profit with turnover doubling in the past two years.
She added that the £80,000 invested in the company by Invest NI's Jobs Fund scheme would help stimulate job creation in the company, with the potential for further expansion in the future.
Exciting time
“This is brilliant news for us and the extra funding will allow us to expand and create more jobs at JMG. It is an exciting time for the company with the planned expansion and the move into our new premises here at Gortrush.
“We did experience difficulties in 2008/09 when the recession really hit hard, but we focused on continuous improvement and that has paid off. We are bucking the trend with turnover doubling over the last two years. Our ethos here is to continue to grow and improve - the investment will help us with that."
During her visit, in which she was given a guided tour of the company's factory at Gortrush, Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster said the news would stimulate investment in the district.
“This is another example of the Jobs Fund scheme working, and working well in the west. I am delighted to be here to see at first hand the work of JMG. Given the tough time the company experienced when the recession really hit, to come back and reinvent themselves - that has to be applauded.
“They are providing products for companies right across the world. It is a great example of export diversification into new markets across the world.
‘Increase confidence'
“Omagh has always had a great reputation as being a prime area for investment and development. I think this news will increase confidence and send a message to other companies that Omagh is a town to invest in."
She explained that the new jobs would be a mix of engineering, production operatives and administrative support and offer high quality employment opportunities in an area that had been significantly affected by the global downturn. It is estimated that the 21 new jobs will contribute some £380,000 a year in salaries to the economy.
“JMG has proactively responded to the downturn by investing in product development to diversify and target new markets. The additional staff will be required to help the company grow in export markets, provide additional customer support and increase the technical capability of the company to drive research and development," the Minister concluded.
Managing director of the company, Joe McGoldrick, added: "This support from Invest NI is allowing us to recruit immediately so that we are in a position to respond to an upturn in demand for our products which we are anticipating."
Meanwhile, Omagh Town councillor, Sorcha McAnespy, has welcomed the news: "I very much welcome this jobs boost in the Omagh area. It is heartening to see a company like JMG striving at a time like this and being in a position to create over 20 jobs for the local area.
“This will not only be a great boost for the local economy, but will also ensure employment opportunities for the local skilled population. It furthermore highlights the potential of Omagh for small to medium-sized business. Given the current economic situation, it is refreshing to see a local, family-run business bucking the economic trend."

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