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Munster Simms Engineering Limited - Supporting Economic Growth

Munster Simms Engineering Limited design, manufacture and market a range of water system products, including pumps and taps, for the Marine and Caravan/RV industries worldwide. One of the company’s main objectives is to significantly increase market share. However, it is committed to achieving growth in a way that will support the local economy.

What they did

Where at all possible Munster Simms  sources supplies locally. One of its major suppliers is actually a former employee who the company helped set up in business. Munster Simms gave former employee, Bobby Davidson, the machines he needed to set up free of charge and critically it gave him his first contract. Bobby Davidson has since expanded his business, bought his own premises and now employs six staff. 

The company carries out a supplier auditing system to allow it to identify where support is required. Support manifests itself in a variety of ways such as visits by Munster Simms quality personnel and assistance in obtaining quality accreditations.

Mentoring smaller businesses is another way that Munster Simms Engineering Limited has contributed to local economic growth. The company’s MD and Engineering Director participates in Design Development Programme (DDP) run by Invest NI 3 whereby they provide advice on developing a design brief for either a product or brand, and relating this to the development of an overall business strategy. As a result of this programme the MD has been asked to continue working with a number of companies as a strategic business mentor.  Currently he is working with Nugent Engineering, Dungannon (manufacturers of trailers) and Unipet, Moneyrea (manufacturers/distributors of animal feed). The company also hosts visits from both these companies, free of charge, to meet the team and to benchmark best practice.

Impact

  • Local suppliers have been given large contracts and been able to grow their operations.
  • Local employment has been generated
  • Smaller companies have received expert mentoring and seen examples of best practice free of charge
Awards - supporting economic growth

Finalists in the NI Supporting Economic Growth Award 2008