County Armagh fitout group The Deluxe Group has secured £32 million ($40M) in US export sales for work on theme parks and other high-profile themed entertainment venues.
As a result of the additional order, it said it will create 30 new jobs in Northern Ireland, as well as investing £1.5 million in expanded manufacturing space close to both Belfast International Airport, at its Portadown base and in Orlando, Florida.
The Deluxe Group, which operates across 50 countries, has been building its expertise in the sector with fitouts at a range of high-profile themed venues across the world.
It has been involved in fitting out Hotel Transylvania and Ghostbusters in Dubai, Jurassic World in Orlando and Mario Kart, an augmented reality giant-size version of the computer game at Super Nintendo World in Japan, as well as Remy's Ratatouille Adventure dark ride at Disneyland Paris. Closer to home, it carried out work on the Game of Thrones Studio Tour at Linen Mill Studios in Banbridge.
The new facility at Belfast International Airport will focus on in-house composites fabrication, set-building and state-of-the-art finishing facilities and, combined with the Orlando base, will help it fulfil US orders.
Colm O’Farrell, Executive Chairman at The Deluxe Group, said demand for its skills is growing.
“We have seen solid growth within our bespoke joinery division over the last five years, completing prestigious projects such as the luxury hotel Great Scotland Yard and opulent branded residences including The Old War Office in London, but the growth of the emerging experience economy is driving unprecedented international demand for our specialist skills in design and prefabrication of themed attractions.
“Northern Ireland has gained an international reputation for film and TV production but people might be surprised that some of the world’s most exciting attractions are being built here. We have learned over the years how best to tell a story through authentic interiors, whether it’s an iconic movie or whiskey brand brought to life or reimagining a historic building as a hotel or residence.”
Invest Northern Ireland has supported the Deluxe Group to grow over the last number of years. Welcoming its most recent success, Steve Harper, Invest NI’s Executive Director of International Business, said winning the export business takes vision and investment.
“The Deluxe Group’s innovative approach to developing solutions for the global creative industries sector is supporting this vision and enabling it to grow its reputation globally and significantly expand its export markets.”
