FedEx Express has launched domestic deliveries across Northern Ireland and a new internationalflight from Belfast to improve connectivity for firms in the province.
The company’s new facility in Carrickfergus, County Antrim, was officially launched yesterdayby Arlene Foster, MLA and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment. A total of 52 jobs havebeen created at the 20,000 sq ft (1,850 sqm) facility at Kilroot Business Park in the town.
“This investment by FedEx Express will not only result in new jobs at a purpose-builtfacility in Carrickfergus but it will also provide support for existing businesses across NorthernIreland by reducing the delivery time between here and customers overseas. The availability oflogistics companies such as FedEx is important for businesses seeking to win and having to servicesales outside Northern Ireland. The presence of an internationally renowned company such as FedExwill add to our inward investment proposition and increase Northern Ireland’s attractiveness topotential investors,” she said.
The FedEx investment consists of both a domestic ground delivery service within NorthernIreland and a FedEx global service using a daily flight from Belfast International. This will feedinto the company’s extensive international hubs and accelerate delivery times to many parts of theglobe, notably North America and Asia, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of firms doingbusiness with these markets. A next-business-day service will operate to and from Europe and to theU.S. East Coast, with a two-business-day service to Asia and the rest of the U.S.
“Northern Ireland’s future economic prosperity hinges on reaching beyond neighbouringeconomies, such as the UK and Ireland, towards high-potential emerging and established marketsglobally,” said Gerald P. Leary, President, FedEx Express Europe, Middle East, Indian Subcontinent& Africa. “A prerequisite for this is fast and reliable access to those markets, and this newFedEx operation and flight will make a significant difference to exporting firms in this regard.
“An exporter shipping to the U.S West Coast, or to Asia, for example, will see delivery timescut by a full business day. By the same token, the service also enhances the appeal of NorthernIreland for multi-national Foreign Direct Investment, with many areas benefiting from ourcommitment to deliver by noon,” he added.
