Sir Reg Empey, Minister of Employment & Learning & Ulster Unionist Assembly member for Fermanagh & South Tyrone, Tom Elliott MLA took the opportunity to visit two local companies, Donnelly Bros at Moy Road, Dungannon & CR Print at Stangmore, Dungannon and praised their investments in the local economy.

 

Sir Reg Empey again stressed the importance of improving skills of Northern Ireland’s workforce and saw at first hand the training programmes which Donnelly Bros have implemented at its Dungannon site. This is a very innovative and highly successful programme and during his visit of the site took the opportunity to meet 12 apprentices who are currently undergoing training and was informed that similar schemes are in place in Omagh & Belfast which have been implemented by Donnelly Bros. The Minister praised Mr Terence Donnelly and his management team which has seen a small company which was founded in 1947, grow to a company which currently employs over 500 people throughout Northern Ireland with a significant turnover. This company recognises that proper training and further development can both increase the knowledge of their workforce and also help increase the productivity and profitability of their company.

 

Tom said: “Despite the current economic climate this company has invested heavily in its workforce and continues to expand and is an example to many companies as it continues to expand and offers first class opportunities of employment in the local area.”

 

The next visit was to CR Print where Sir Reg Empey and Tom Elliott MLA met Mr Cyril Robinson and his staff at the new purpose built premises at Stangmore Park which continues to give the public the same high standards of customer care that they have given for the last 30 years in the Dungannon area. Tom Elliott MLA praised Mr Robinson on his decision to locate at the home of Dungannon Swifts which meant that funding could be secured for the new changing room facilities and spectator lounge at Dungannon Swifts.

 

The visit concluded with a visit to the new facilities at Dungannon Swifts which is nearing completition and Mr Simon Graham & David Holmes proudly gave a tour of the new facilities which are among the best in the Irish League. Cllr Robert Mulligan wished Dungannon Swifts continued success and praised the management committee of the club”