SAM NI completes £10m facility expansion

Above: Representatives of ADS (NI), Invest Northern Ireland, Boeing and Airbus alongside dFM, Emma Little-Pengelly are Adam Hylands, Business Development Manager and Joel Best Operations Director. (LtoR) Helen Coyle Invest Northern Ireland, Donna Hamilton, Boeing, Joesph Reffitt, ADS NI, Deborah Walls, Airbus, Adam Hylands SAM NI, Emma Little-Pengelly dFM, Joel Best, SAM NI, Deborah Walls Airbus, Kevin Brien ADS (NI) and Jamie McCloskey Invest Northern Ireland.
Courtesy SAM NI   
 
The new 25,000 sq ft facility brings the site’s total manufacturing footprint to 68,000 sq ft and significantly enhances SAM NI’s machining, inspection and subassembly capabilities. It represents the company’s most significant single investment to date and positions SAM NI to meet the accelerating demand from its global customer base, which includes Airbus, Boeing, Collins Aerospace and Safran Nacelles.
 
Founded in 1984, the company which is now part of the Singapore-headquartered Singapore Aerospace Manufacturing (SAM) Group, has undergone rapid transformation since 2021. The company has grown its workforce to 90 people and made sustained investment in advanced manufacturing technology to keep pace with rising international demand.
 
With sales forecast reported to grow significantly over the next 18 months and into 2028, the new facility underpins SAM NI’s capacity to scale operations, accelerate delivery and continue developing the advanced manufacturing skills that set it apart in a highly competitive global sector.
 
According to Operations Director, Joel Best, the opening of this new extension supported by Invest Northern Ireland, signals a step change for the company. He said: “This is a key moment for SAM NI and reflects not only the strength of our team and business, but the continued confidence our international customers have in our specialist engineering capabilities.” 
 
“Since 2021, we have expanded rapidly, growing our team to 90 staff, and making constant investment in advanced manufacturing technology to support increasing global demand. 
 
“This new facility gives us the capacity and capability to support that demand, deliver greater value to our customers, and continue developing the advanced manufacturing technologies and skills that will define our next chapter.”
 
The opening of the new extension was marked by a visit from Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, alongside industry representatives and global customers, who toured the new facility and met with the SAM NI team.
 
Emma Little-Pengelly, deputy First Minister, welcomed the investment, commenting: “The opening of SAM NI’s new facility is testament to the company’s excellent reputation in the sector and the key role that Northern Ireland plays in the global aerospace industry. 
 
“The creation of highly skilled jobs, alongside the expansion of the company’s capabilities is hugely positive for the local economy. This fully demonstrates the essential role that companies like SAM NI play in driving growth, innovation and skills development. 
 
“I was delighted to visit the facility and see first-hand the stellar work of the team.” 
 
Brendan McGuigan, Director of Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering and Life Sciences Invest Northern Ireland added: “With demand for advanced aerospace manufacturing continuing to rise, SAM NI’s latest investment further establishes the company as a key strategic manufacturing partner within the aerospace sector and demonstrates its long-term commitment to innovation, operational excellence and regional economic development.”
 
Joseph Reffitt, Director of ADS Northern Ireland said: "We are delighted to welcome this investment by SAM NI, reflective of the significant strength of Northern Ireland’s advanced manufacturing sector. The expansion of local businesses sends a clear signal to the global industry that this Northern Ireland is open, capable and ready to deliver in an increasingly competitive global market place.” 
 
SAM NI is currently recruiting for a number of roles across the following areas: CNC machining and programming, fabrication and assembly, quality assurance and inspection, engineering and production management, apprenticeships and trainee roles and office support staff. 
 
The company is also exhibiting at the upcoming Farnborough International Airshow, taking place from 20th – 24th July. 
 
SAM NI is a specialist precision engineering company based in Portadown, Northern Ireland, manufacturing high-precision aerospace components and assemblies for global aerospace OEMs including Boeing, Collins Aerospace, Safran and Airbus.

Founded in 1984, the company is part of the Singapore Aerospace Manufacturing (SAM) Group and employs 90 people across a 68,000 sq ft manufacturing facility. SAM NI is accredited to the highest international aerospace standards and is committed to continuous investment in advanced manufacturing technology and skills development.