THE Co Down company SCA Packaging has announced a £2.25 million sterling investment aimed at upgrading facilities at its Warrenpoint plant.

The IDB is contributing nearly £350,000 towards the three year plan for the firm, which employs over 200 people making packaging.

Mr Peter Fitzsimmons, the director and general manager of SCA, said that the additional capacity would increase production volume, reduce waste, and result in cost savings.

The IDB's deputy chief executive, Mr Mike Bohill, said the project would help to safeguard existing jobs in what, lie said, was an unemployment blackspot.