Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has welcomed the official opening of a new advanced manufacturing facility in Larne, describing the investment as a “significant vote of confidence” in the borough and its skilled workforce.

Superconducting Technologies Northern Ireland (STNI), owned by Xi’an Superconducting Wire Technologies Co Ltd (XST), is establishing the new facility at Ballyhampton Road in Larne.

The project represents XST’s first investment outside China, and the Larne facility will manufacture high-performance superconducting materials which are processed into superconducting wire, primarily for use in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines.

XST specialises in the development and manufacture of superconducting materials and magnets for applications including medical imaging, scientific research, semiconductor production, accelerators and maglev transport.

The investment will create 41 operational and engineering jobs in Larne and has been supported by Invest Northern Ireland, which has offered £287,000 towards the creation of the new roles.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Thomas Gordon, said: “I am delighted to welcome XST and Superconducting Technologies Northern Ireland to Larne and to see this important investment taking shape here in Mid and East Antrim.

“Our borough has a proud manufacturing heritage and a highly skilled workforce, as well as a growing reputation for innovation and advanced manufacturing. The decision to locate this new facility in Larne demonstrates a significant vote of confidence for this area and shows international investors this is a place to do business, grow and access world-class skills.

“The creation of 41 new jobs is very welcome for Larne and the wider borough, while the specialist nature of this operation also adds to the diversity and strength of our manufacturing base.

“We want STNI to become part of our business community, part of our pioneering MTF industry network and wish the company every success as it establishes its operations here and look forward to working with you in the years ahead as your operation develops and flourishes. I

Council and Invest NI have worked closely with XST’s team to secure the investment, including supporting visits to Northern Ireland to assess potential manufacturing locations and helping the company establish the factory facility in Larne.

Kieran Donoghue, Chief Executive of Invest NI, said: “The company’s decision to manufacture its alloy wires for MRI machines in Larne is a strong vote of confidence in Northern Ireland as a location for international investment and especially advanced manufacturing.

“Our support is helping the company to create 41 jobs which have the potential to contribute almost £1.5 million annually to the local Mid and East Antrim area.”