Lockhart welcomes Thompson Aeroseating investment

Carla Lockahrt MP • November 22, 2022

Upper Bann Member of Parliament Carla Lockhart has said the £7.5m investment commitment by Thompson Aeroseating in their Banbridge plant is a welcome boost for the local manufacturing economy. Alongside DUP MLA Diane Dodds, the local MP had engaged with Invest NI to help secure support for the firm.

Carla Lockhart said:

 

“Thompson Aeroseating has, like all those in the supply chain for aircraft, have been through a very turbulent time with the challenges facing the industry unprecedented.

 

To have the company invest £7.5m in their new Banbridge testing plant is a huge expression of confidence in the local economy, and a very firm indication that they recognise the quality of staff available within the local job market. It is a strong signal to others that Upper Bann remains a first class place to set up business. Furthermore, with so many other manufacturing businesses in the area, the supply chain opportunities remain strong to centralise so much in this area.

 

I want to thank Invest NI for their support for this investment. Diane and I have been engaging with senior Invest NI representatives on an ongoing basis around support for businesses exploring Upper Bann as a place to invest. Furthermore, I pay tribute to the Thompson Aeroseating management for their commitment to the area.

 

This is good news for the area, but more can be achieved and I will continue to engage with other firms to secure investment commitments.”

Share

Carla Lockhart hits out at DAERA Minister following collapse of bee inspection service

By Carla Lockhart MP • April 25, 2025
DUP Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Spokesperson Carla Lockhart MP, has hit out at DAERA Minister Andrew Muir, following confirmation that Northern Ireland currently has no dedicated bee inspectors in place, leaving all bee health issues routed through a single shared email inbox.

MP urging consumers to shop local and support ‘beef week’

By Carla Lockhart MP • April 25, 2025
With the 2025 Beef Week campaign underway, Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart is urging consumers to shop local and safeguard the future of the province’s agri-food sector.

MP attends Lurgan Show launch

By Carla Lockhart MP • April 25, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart is looking forward to attending Lurgan and District Horse and Cattle Society’s 110 th agricultural show on Saturday, 7 th June.

Tough decisions necessary to eradicate bTB

By Carla Lockhart MP • April 25, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has said the launch of the Blueprint for Bovine TB Eradication in Northern Ireland largely mirrors previous recommendations made by Edwin Poots, but says tough decisions are necessary on effective wildlife control to mitigate against the spread of the disease.

Fix Our Roads – No More Excuses

By Carla Lockhart MP • April 23, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart has issued a strong statement demanding urgent action from the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) Minister over the worsening state of roads across the constituency, saying the situation has become a growing source of public anger and frustration. While acknowledging the hard work of local DfI staff on the ground, Carla Lockhart said the blame for the crisis lies squarely at the feet of the Minister, who she accuses of failing to prioritise core infrastructure in favour of wasteful spending on “vanity projects.”

Carla Lockhart MP Hits Out at Minister Muir Over Collapse of Bee Inspection System

By Carla Lockhart MP • April 23, 2025
DUP Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Spokesperson Carla Lockhart MP has hit out at DAERA Minister Andrew Muir following confirmation that Northern Ireland currently has no dedicated bee inspectors in place and that all bee health issues are now being routed through a single shared email inbox. In responses to the Upper Bann MP, the Minister admits there is no one solely responsible for bee inspections within the Department, a move Ms Lockhart has labelled “complacent, careless and completely inadequate.” 

Carla Lockhart MP Thanks Public as Big Bucket Collection Raises Over £35,000 for Southern Area Hospice

By Carla Lockhart MP • April 23, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has expressed her sincere thanks to all those who contributed to this year’s Big Bucket Collection in aid of the Southern Area Hospice, which raised an impressive £35,078 across Northern Ireland. Despite the ongoing challenges of the cost of living crisis, communities across the country have once again demonstrated incredible generosity in supporting the Hospice’s vital work.

Long-Awaited Footpath Works Begin in Loughgall Village

By Carla Lockhart MP • April 23, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed the commencement of long-overdue improvement works to the footpaths in Loughgall village, following years of lobbying on behalf of local residents and community groups.

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart Encourages Support for Local Talent as Kate Weir Launches Debut Album

By Carla Lockhart MP • April 23, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has encouraged the local community to come out and support Waringstown’s very own Kate Weir as she prepares to launch her debut album The Reason this weekend. The album launch will take place on Saturday 26th April at 7:30pm in Craigavon Civic Centre, featuring special guests LIVE ISSUE, KINGDOM BOUND, WARREN SMYTH, and VICTORIA KENNEDY (SALT). Tickets are £12 and available via Eventbrite, FM Bookshops, or at the door on the night.

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart Welcomes Exciting New Business ‘Folks’ to Banbridge

By Carla Lockhart MP • April 23, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed the opening of a brand-new coffee shop, Folks, in Banbridge, praising the entrepreneurial spirit and community focus of the two sisters behind the venture. The MP visited the shop, located at 1 The Mall, to meet owners Jennifer and Katie, and to sample some of the freshly brewed coffee and their now locally-loved açaí and granola bowls. 
More Posts