Jobs boost for Fermanagh

A high-tech electronics company today brought some much needed jobs cheer to Co Fermanagh, which has been hit by a string of redundancies and the knock-on effects of foot-and-mouth disease.

Enniskillen-based Elite Electronic Systems is to double its workforce with the creation of 114 new jobs over the next three years.

The jobs will come as part of a £3m investment to expand the business, including introducing state-of-the-art fibre optic manufacturing. It will also involve adding 25,000 sq feet to its present 40,000 sq ft plant.

Announcing the expansion, Stormont Enterprise minister Reg Empey said it was "an extremely encouraging development for Co Fermanagh".

Elite Electronics was an ambitious, well managed and successful company which was now one of only four in the world approved by global telecommunications industry leader Nortel Networks to supply it with fibre-optic assemblies, he said.

The minister said the company had an extremely impressive track record in the development of people skills and was working alongside the local further education college on programmes to expand skills in electronic engineering.

He added: "The company’s addition of fibre optics will significantly increase high-tech expertise and know-how in the county and offer increased employment opportunities in a technology-driven sector."