A major investment has been announced by a Co Down company Saintfield Yarns. It will enable the company to begin the manufacture of nylon yarn for carpet tiles and to expand sales of its woolbased products in continental Europe. The expansion is expected to create 15 new jobs over the next three years. Saintfield Yarns, which was set up in 1983, is based in a 112,000 square foot mill in Saintfield Business Park, and employs more than 160 in the production of semi-worsted spun yarn for the tufted carpet industry.

Managing director, Mr Grahame Smith, said the aim was to ensure the continued growth of the business by introducing a new nylon product, while at the same time expanding sales of wool-based yarns in Europe.

He said flexible manufacturing procedures had enabled the company to respond quickly and efficiently to the needs of individual customers, and to develop long-term business relationships.

"We increased sales to European customers after we took part in the Domotex exhibition in Hanover, and it is our intention to commit additional resources to the development of key export markets," he added. Domotex is Europe's biggest textile fair, and the company's stand featured its full range of tweed, heather, and solid yarns.

"We started working with some continental carpet manufacturers in 1995, and their products were well-received during the show. We have also installed some new facilities at Saintfield as a result of the interest shown in some of our new products," he said.

The investment is being backed by a grant of nearly £400,000 from the IDB. Mr Lawson McDonald, the executive director of the agency's textiles and clothing division, said the money would widen the company's product portfolio, and enable it to offer a new 100 per cent nylon yarn to a range of new customers.

"This is a logical diversification for a company with a successful track record in the production of semi-worsted and wool-rich yarns for the carpet industry and should strengthen its position with the major manufacturers."