A Magherafelt manufacturing company is planning to create 50 jobs at a new spinout design company.
Bloc is investing £600,000 in the business which will design, test and develop consumer technology products.
The creation of Bloc Labs will see 10 new research, design and technology jobs created immediately while a further 40 jobs are planned in the next 12-18 months to bring the “customer solutions” to market.
Bloc has a history of product design having created the patented Bloc Out window blinds which have won favour across the world, as well as its safety wand which replaces traditional chains used to lower and raise blinds which are a danger to young children.
Central to Bloc’s success is its revolutionary patented Bloc Out blind technology and market leading safety wand which is exported to key markets including the USA and Canada.
Magherafelt-based Bloc has invested £600,000 in the launch of a new spinout company – Bloc Labs – to design, test, and develop the next generation of consumer technology products and experiences for global markets.
Tech specialist Dr Rachel Gawley, will head up the new team.
“Seeing possibility in the world is the fuel behind our engineering creativity at Bloc,” she said. “As an agile company our focus is on using our ingenuity to overcome challenges, innovate solutions and develop the products and technologies which enhance lives.
“Bloc Labs is a unique workspace offering incredible scope and opportunity to individuals who will be empowered to do what they do best by bringing amazing ideas to life.”
Bloc already employs over 200 people across Northern Ireland and its division in The Netherlands.
Managing director Cormac Diamond said the company doesn’t stand still.
“This is another stage in the very exciting journey which has seen Bloc come so far over the last 12 years. We will continue to push the boundaries by creating new opportunities which will help us to scale our business on the global platform.
“Bloc Labs is just one more way in which we’ve turned our engineering and design experience into a meaningful, positive outcome, creating more jobs and opportunity for growth.”
