A SPECIALIST Portadown joinery firm has secured two substantial contracts with a world renowned theme park in Paris worth more than EURO2.5 million (£2.6m).
The Deluxe Group is a bespoke joinery firm which has established a reputation for luxury fit out in GB and beyond.
The contract, for which the firm has begun recruiting, starts in February and will see Deluxe carry out the design, build and installation of themed finishes to the interiors of a new flagship ride and restaurant at the as yet unnamed theme park.
Following a lengthy bid process, Deluxe won the two theme park contracts against competition from companies throughout Europe. The contracts were supported by funding for research and development (R&D) from Invest Northern Ireland.
“We are very grateful to Invest NI for providing key funding on a R&D project which eventually led us towards this prestigious contract,” said MD Colm O’Farrell.
“Without their funding we would not have been able to pursue various avenues that the R&D project opened up for us which we feel gave us an edge over our competition.”
The majority of the detailed design development and manufacturing will take place at their head office and workshop in Portadown before being shipped to Paris for installation. Invest NI offered £91,000 of support, including part funding from the European Regional Development Fund, towards a £227,500 investment in research by Deluxe.
“The impact of the downturn on local construction companies has been well documented and it remains vital for the sector to innovate if they are to maximise business opportunities,” said Invest NI chief executive Alastair Hamilton.
“Deluxe has fully embraced R&D and used it effectively to develop new manufacturing techniques and new products so it can compete in the high value luxury design and fit out market. It is very positive to see how this has allowed Deluxe to diversify and seek out significant business opportunities in new markets, particularly Europe, and set a firm foundation for future growth.”
Corin Hawthorne, Head of Business Development at The Deluxe Group added: “These prestigious contracts provide a strong base for our continued growth, and demonstrate our effectiveness in providing quality, imagination and value against strong international competition.”
The Deluxe Group has also recently completed high profile works in central London on a range of projects including the new Royal Suite at The Intercontinental Hotel on Mayfair’s Park Lane, the new luxury Equinox Gym in Kensington, and high-end retailers including Harrods, Harvey Nichols and Selfridges.