3 min read - 2 Jun, 2026
SAM NI completes £10m facility expansion to meet aerospace demand
Portadown-based SAM NI has completed a £10m expansion of its manufacturing facility, marking a major milestone in the company’s continued growth as a manufacturer of high-precision aerospace components and assemblies for some of the world’s leading aerospace companies.
The new 25,000 sq ft facility brings the site’s total manufacturing footprint to 68,000 sq ft and significantly enhances SAM NI’s machining, inspection, and subassembly capabilities. It represents the company’s most significant single investment to date and positions SAM NI to meet the accelerating demand from its global customer base, which includes Airbus, Boeing, Collins Aerospace and Safran Nacelles.
Founded in 1984, the company, which is now part of the Singapore-headquartered Singapore Aerospace Manufacturing (SAM) Group, one of the world’s leading aerospace component manufacturers, has undergone rapid transformation since 2021. The company has grown its workforce to 90 people and made sustained investments in advanced manufacturing technology to keep pace with rising international demand.
With sales forecast reported to grow significantly over the next 18 months and into 2028, the new facility underpins SAM NI’s capacity to scale operations, accelerate delivery and continue developing the advanced manufacturing skills that set it apart in a highly competitive global sector.
Joel Best, operations director at SAM NI shows Emma Little-Pengelly, dFM, some of the firm’s new machinery investments / Picture: SAM NI
Joel Best, operations director at SAM NI, said: “This is a key moment for SAM NI and reflects not only the strength of our team and business, but the continued confidence our international customers have in our specialist engineering capabilities. Since 2021, we have expanded rapidly, growing our team to 90 staff, and making constant investments in advanced manufacturing technology to support increasing global demand.
“This new facility gives us the capacity and capability to support that demand, deliver greater value to our customers, and continue developing the advanced manufacturing technologies and skills that will define our next chapter.”
The opening of the new extension was marked by a visit from deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, alongside industry representatives and global customers, who toured the new facility and met with the SAM NI team.
Emma Little-Pengelly, deputy First Minister, added: “The opening of SAM NI’s new facility is testament to the company’s excellent reputation in the sector and the key role that Northern Ireland plays in the global aerospace industry. The creation of highly skilled jobs, alongside the expansion of the company’s capabilities, is hugely positive for the local economy. This fully demonstrates the essential role that companies like SAM NI play in driving growth, innovation and skills development.”
Pictured with dFM, Emma Little-Pengelly are Adam Hylands, business development manager (L) and Joel Best, operations director (R) / Picture: SAM NI
Joseph Reffitt, director of ADS Northern Ireland, said: “We are delighted to welcome this investment by SAM NI, reflective of the significant strength of Northern Ireland’s advanced manufacturing sector. The expansion of local businesses sends a clear signal to the global industry that Northern Ireland is open, capable and ready to deliver in an increasingly competitive global marketplace.”
SAM NI is currently recruiting for several roles across the following areas: CNC machining and programming, fabrication and assembly, quality assurance and inspection, engineering and production management, apprenticeships and trainee roles and office support staff.
The company is also exhibiting at the upcoming Farnborough International Airshow, taking place from 20 to 24 July, at stand E1.
