Major Carrickfergus employer marks anniversary, and announces recruitment drive

Ryobi marks milestone in Carrickfergus. Picture – supplied.

Ryobi, an aluminium castings company, set up home in Carrickfergus in 1990 and has grown its presence since. It was started in Japan, and Northern Ireland was chosen to service its European customers.

Plans to mark the 30th anniversary on site were postponed by the Covid pandemic, but early in September this year staff and their families joined them at a huge community fun day as they marked the milestone and thanked employees for their hard work over the years.

As well as celebrating with their own workers, the firm is committed to the local community, and over the years staff and the company have raised tens of thousands of pounds for good causes in the area.

The firm has raised tens of thousands of pounds for good causes. Picture – supplied.

This year they have handpicked three good causes:

- St John’s Ambulance Service: Staff helped refit an ambulance used by volunteers

- Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice: Money was raised at an annual golf tournament and through other events

- Carrick Connect: A youth outreach programme supported by Prince William and Catherine, the Baron and Baroness of Carrickfergus.

Workers celebrated family fun day for Ryobi milestone anniversary in Carrickfergus. Picture – supplied.

And the team from St John’s Ambulance returned the favour by being guests at the open day held on September 2.

Other entertainment on the day included sessions for local dance and drama groups, and other services were provided by local businesses.

Senior management travelled from Japan to join in the celebrations.

Managing director Marco Emig said: “We have been proud to be part of the community in Carrickfergus for 33 years, and to have played our part in supporting our employees, their families and local good causes. We plan to continue to do so for many years to come.

“We are very proud of our record here, and look forward to recruiting and training the next generation of workers to work alongside our already strong team and to help us to develop and manufacture the next generation of products. We’ve recently being awarded with our first product for the EV market, the next milestone for our company, so it is an excellent time to join our organisation.”

As well as committing to the local community, Ryobi is a major employer, and created 100 new job opportunities in the past year. It is always on the lookout for quality apprentices, graduates and skilled staff, as part of its ongoing commitment to recruitment. The firm makes innovative and high quality parts for the automotive industry.

As part of its commitment to Carrickfergus, Ryobi is investing in recruitment and training in 2023 and 2024. New recruits will enjoy a competitive salary, a health cash plan, generous pension scheme, life assurance, holidays and employee assistance programme.

Other benefits include free parking, the ride to work scheme, childcare vouchers and service awards.

To find out more about apprenticeships or graduate opportunities, visit www.ryobi.co.uk