Manufacturing Month NI is led by Manufacturing NI for the month of March. Sponsored by KMPG, Siemens, Willis Towers Watson, Barclays and Invest NI. The concept of Manufacturing Month is to bring the industry together. It is a great opportunity to showcase how far the manufacturing and engineering industry has come in NI. With a focus on innovation and growth Ecohog Ltd are proud of their continued development within the industry.
Manufacturing Month NI is an opportunity to showcase the local, top quality manufacturing which is available in Northern Ireland. This is a great opportunity to provide an insight into local businesses. Established in June 2013 with a small team, Ecohog Ltd have continuously been growing and developing their products and market base. They now employ 26 members of staff. Ecohog specifically focus on the design and manufacture of air and magnetic separation equipment. Developing equipment for a wide range of waste processors and waste streams worldwide. From initially exporting within the UK Ecohog have built their network of clients and distributors.Now exporting to 16 countries globally including the Nordics, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
Managing Director, Tracey McNally says, “I commend Manufacturing NI for bringing this new initiative to celebrate Northern Ireland’s vital sector. It is a fantastic opportunity to highlight local manufacturing and engineering business success and to drive motivation for the future. In these particularly troubling times when managing the impact of Brexit and Covid-19 on the industry it is important that we remain positive, support each other with a united front, and seek to ride out these storms. This will ensure the continued long term success and growth of our manufacturing base here in Northern Ireland”.
Reflecting on 2019 within the Manufacturing industry, Ecohog are excited to have played a part. The Manufacturing industry has went from strength to strength evolving in recent years, as it now accounts for 11% of employment and over 15% Gross Value Added making Manufacturing a key sector in the Northern Ireland economy (Invest NI, 2019).
According to a recent results in 2020 by Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency the annual increase in NI production output of 1.7% was driven by increases in Manufacturing (2.1%) and Water supply, sewerage and waste management (Inc. recycling) (2.1%). With manufacturing being a key industry in production it is a vital sector which is highlighted greatly this month.
Ecohog believe in supporting local young people to develop their knowledge and skills to build manufacturing and engineering related careers. Ecohog employ a range of apprentices, placement students and graduates training the students in-house alongside their education providing them with the opportunity for development. Ecohog hope they will continue employment after their studies providing them with long-term employment and career opportunities.
Managing Director, Tracey McNally says, “my advice to young people would be not to overlook manufacturing and engineering related careers. It’s an exciting and vibrant industry on your doorstep with lots of opportunities including; engineering, manufacturing processes, design, innovation, product development, marketing, finance etc. It is a global marketplace with companies offering opportunities to travel and see the world which is an added bonus! The local manufacturing industry is going from strength to strength which is amazing to be part of”.
