Craftec Group secures over £1.3 million in sales to Great Britain
Pictured (L-R) are Ann McErlean, Managing Director of Craftec Group and Ethna McNamee, Head of Western Regional Business at Invest NI
Maghera-based manufacturing business Craftec Group has secured over £1.3 million in sales to Great Britain in its first year of trading, following support from Invest Northern Ireland.
Starting a new business can be daunting, particularly in a well-established manufacturing sector, but with Invest NI’s support we’ve been able to grow quickly and with confidence.
Ann McErlean, Managing Director, Craftec Group
Founded in March 2025 by local entrepreneur Ann McErlean, the company supplies bathroom cabinets, vinyl wrap doors and large-scale healthcare products to customers across Northern Ireland, Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland.
With Invest NI’s support, Craftec Group has created 10 new jobs to double its workforce in the Mid Ulster area.
Ann McErlean, Managing Director at Craftec Group, said: “I started Craftec Group because I believed in the skills potential of the workforce in the Mid Ulster area. Starting a new business can be daunting, particularly in a well-established manufacturing sector, but with Invest NI’s support we’ve been able to grow quickly and with confidence.
“I originally approached Invest NI’s Western Regional office for advice and the team's guidance was invaluable in helping me understand how to grow the business. Its financial support also enabled us to create 10 new jobs to increase productivity and significantly grow our sales across GB and RoI. In our first year of trading, securing over £1.3 million in sales has been a huge milestone for the business. We’re looking forward to exploring even more markets in the upcoming year.”
In its first year of trading, Ann and her team have built a strong, sustainable business and created high-quality job opportunities for people in Mid Ulster.
Ethna McNamee, Head of Western Regional Business, Invest NI
Invest NI has provided £77,400 of support towards the creation of the 10 new jobs and marketing strategy development to build its brand through a new website and social media channels.
Ethna McNamee, Invest NI’s Head of Western Regional Business, said: “Craftec Group is a fantastic example of local entrepreneurship and ambition in action. In its first year of trading, Ann and her team have built a strong, sustainable business and created high-quality job opportunities for people in Mid Ulster.
“This investment will support regional economic growth and help Craftec Group continue to build its presence in international markets. We’re delighted to support the company’s journey and look forward to seeing it grow in the years ahead.
“Invest NI's regional office network is here to support entrepreneurs, start-ups and existing businesses that want to innovate and sell their products outside Northern Ireland. If businesses don’t know where to start, I’d encourage them to contact our Business Support team to find out what’s available.”
