Three Northern companies are to create over 100 jobs following a total investment of more than £16 million. The companies, Barbour Threads, Bemac Engineering and Uni-Trunk are all based in Lisburn, Co Antrim. The biggest investment, £8.5 million, is being undertaken by Barbour Threads, which currently employs 450 people.

The long-established company is to modernise its production operation at Hilden and plans to grow its export business. The Industrial Development Board (IDB) is contributing £1.4 million to the project.

Barbour Threads is a leading manufacturer of industrial sewing threads and sells its products world wide. It has been part of the Hicking Pentecost group since 1994.

Bemac Engineering, which manufactures metal cabinets for the electronics and telecommunications industries, is investing £5 million to increase capacity. It is expected to provide 72 new jobs, of which 50 are already in place. Bemac currently employs 230 people and is receiving financial aid of £950,000 from the IDB.

Uni-Trunk, which manufactures electrical trunking is spending £2.8 million to provide an additional 35 jobs. It is installing new machinery which will help it to expand exports, particularly in the Middle East. Uni-Trunk managing director Mr Marcus Morrow said the company had identified a "significant opportunity" to expand the business by focusing on key export markets where it would have a competitive edge. He said this featured the Middle East in particular.

The company currently employs 75 staff and is to take on an additional 35. Uni-Trunk is to receive £504,000 in grant aid from the IDB.

Meanwhile, it has been announced that the IDB is to develop 75 acres at Knockmore Industrial Estate in Lisburn. The site is being developed at a cost of £900,000 and will be available for occupation late next year.