Manufacturer Terex is taking part in a £7.9 million research project to bring digital and automation technologies into welding processes at its Northern Ireland facilities.

The company has sites in Omagh, Dungannon and Cookstown, all of which stand to benefit from Project 4WARD, a collaboration led by the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre.

The initiative aims to cut waste, lift efficiency and expand manufacturing capacity by modernising welding operations. For Terex, it is also expected to help tackle persistent skills shortages in the welding trade.

Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald announced the scheme during a visit to AMIC’s Newtownabbey base. She said the project offers manufacturers a route to stronger productivity through innovation.

Invest NI is providing £4.8 million of the funding, with additional backing coming from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.

Alongside Terex, the programme includes Hyster Yale, Nugent Trailers, Four Dee and Datum Design. Across the five participating organisations, 21 jobs are forecast to be created as advanced manufacturing techniques are embedded on factory floors.