Andor Technology creates 87 jobs over the next three years

Andor Technology makes specialist digital cameras used in medical research.

The investment was backed by the government's business agency, Invest Northern Ireland.

The technology firm is to take on an additional 87 people over the next three years.

More than 80 people are employed at its Springvale Business Park operation in west Belfast, while 20 sales staff are based in the US, Japan and Europe.

Scientists working in the Physics Department at Queen's University formed the company in 1989.

It won the Northern Ireland Exporter of the Year award in 2002.

Our objective is to become recognised as a market leader in specialist scientific cameras for the nano-technology and life sciences industries Dr Hugh Cormican Managing director

The investment will provide increased manufacturing space and additional space for research and development.

NIO minister Ian Pearson said Andor's strong commitment to research and development and to global marketing had resulted in steady and profitable growth over the past five years.

He said: "World-class companies such as Andor enhance Northern Ireland's reputation as a global centre of excellence in the leading edge technology required for the growing life sciences market."

He said the investment would help the company to achieve its ambitious growth targets based on "continuing product innovation and development".

Managing director Dr Hugh Cormican said the company would continue to invest in research and development, and was boosting its international sales and marketing team.

"Our objective is to become recognised as a market leader in specialist scientific cameras for the nano-technology and life sciences industries."

Sinn Fein MP Gerry Adams said the company was an "economic success story for west Belfast".

However in Lurgan in County Armagh, the Ben Sherman Shirt factory has announced that 38 jobs are to go.

A local politician said it was another setback for the local economy.

Sinn Fein's Dara O'Hagan said: "Another 38 jobs going in the textile industry in Lurgan is depressing. We had hoped that after the shirt plant had closed at this site the distribution plant would secure a long-term project."