Strabane-based manufacturer KES Group has officially opened Phase 3 of its expansion at Strabane Business Park, a development that will see the creation of 40 new electrical engineering jobs and a major boost in advanced manufacturing capacity.
The company, which first set up in the Invest Northern Ireland–owned business park in 2019, began by designing and building energy-efficient modular structures. In recent years, it has evolved into a high-tech manufacturer supplying modular electrical products for the rapidly growing global data centre sector.
Managing Director Conor McCrossan said the latest expansion marks a pivotal moment in that transformation.
“This third phase of our facilities will increase our manufacturing capacity and enhance our competitive advantage, enabling us to fulfil more orders and grow our exports. Invest NI’s support has transformed our business. Since we began developing the site, we’ve moved from being a construction company to a technology provider. From building E-Houses for data centres, we’re now expanding into electrical switchgear and fully integrated systems.”
The company has installed new automated production technology and invested heavily in vertical integration, bringing every stage of manufacturing under its own roof. The result is greater efficiency, control, and resilience across its supply chain.
The 40 new positions, some of which have already been filled, carry average salaries of more than £48,000. KES says this investment supports its plans for export-led growth, with new opportunities emerging in Europe, the United States, and the Middle East.
Invest NI’s Interim Chief Development Officer, George McKinney, praised the company’s progress.
“KES Group is creating one of the most modern and advanced offsite construction facilities anywhere in these islands. We’ve supported the business for a decade, providing more than £1 million in assistance to develop its facility, create new jobs and build supply chain resilience. This expansion and the creation of 40 highly skilled roles will inject almost £2 million in annual salaries into the North West economy.”
Work is already under way on Phase 4 of the company’s development, due to complete in 2027. This final stage will expand KES Group’s footprint to 13 acres, meeting fast-growing demand from the data centre market driven by AI, cloud computing and digital transformation. By then, the company will occupy almost 60 per cent of Strabane Business Park.