Queen's awards for NI companies

AVX honoured, but NI workers face uncertain future

Four Northern Ireland companies have been awarded prestigious Queen's Awards for Enterprise.

Three of the coveted awards were presented to local companies for success in international trade, and one for innovation.

The latter goes to UPU Industries in Dromore, County Down, for their crop conservation products.

The winners in the export category are Thermomax in Bangor, County Down, which manufactures solar heating systems, the Crumlin, County Antrim, based diagnostics company Randox Laboratories, and the electronics firm AVX which is based in Coleraine, County Londonderry.

Northern Ireland Enterprise Minister Sir Reg Empey described the companies as first class role models for other firms in the province.

'Locally-owned'

Sir Reg said he was particularly encouraged by the achievements of the two locally-owned award winning companies - Randox Laboratories and UPU Industries.

Reg Empey welcomed local companies' innovation

"Both companies are excellent examples of the entrepreneurial flair we are keen to encourage," he said.

"We wish to see many more Northern Ireland companies following their leadership and gaining recognition, at home and particularly overseas, as world beaters."

Sir Reg added: "All four companies are at the leading edge of technology in their respective industrial sectors and are helping to enhance Northern Ireland's developing reputation as a European centre of innovation.

"This focus on innovative products for the global marketplace is fully in line with our Programme for Government strategy to transform Northern Ireland into a knowledge-led economy by promoting and assisting companies with a strong commitment to R&D and which are active in international markets."

Job losses

Sir Reg said AVX was currently having to respond to difficult market conditions in the telecommunications sector.

The Japanese-owned electronics firm, which produces miniature electronic components for mobile phones and computers, announced in March that it would have to axe 95 jobs at its plant in Coleraine.

Earlier this month, it emerged that about 150 people may be made redundant at the company due to a drop in business.

Sir Reg said: "However, this company remains a market leader in the development of advanced electronic components and has a portfolio of high calibre customers.

"I am confident that AVX's commitment to new products and aggressive marketing will enable this world class company to surmount these market difficulties and to resume growth in the near future."

Sir Reg added that he felt Thermomax had established a position as the market leader in renewable energy.

"This is a strategically important sector which will grow strongly in the years ahead."