Caoimhe Archibald MLA unveiled the Manufacturing and the Northern Ireland Economy report during a visit to MJM Marine in Newry.
She was joined by representatives from manufacturing firms across the region, who toured the cruise ship interior fitout firm’s production facilities.
The report found that the sector generates more than £6bn in economic output—13.4 per cent of Northern Ireland’s total—making it the second-largest contributor after retail and wholesale.
Manufacturing also accounts for 17 per cent of private sector employment and 21 per cent of turnover, despite making up just 6 per cent of businesses.
Contribution of the Northern Ireland Manufacturing Sector to Employment
In 2023, the sector supported nearly 100,000 jobs, representing one in ten workforce jobs in Northern Ireland compared to 7.1 per cent in the UK. Including indirect and induced roles, it supports 250,000 jobs—around a quarter of all employment.
Every £1m generated by manufacturing adds £1.7m to the economy, the analysis found.
The Importance of Manufacturing to Northern Ireland's Economy
Archibald said: "I welcome the opportunity to join Manufacturing NI in marking Manufacturing Month and launching this report at MJM Marine. It rightly recognises the positive impact that the manufacturing sector has on our local economy, jobs, and exports. Thank you to Manufacturing NI and everyone who contributed to the development of this report, and for the work you do to drive this sector forward.
"It is important that government policy is informed by, and co-designed with, industry. The report will provide helpful analysis as I progress the priorities of my economic vision."
The Economic Influence of the Northern Ireland Manufacturing Sector
Stephen Kelly, chief executive of Manufacturing NI, said: "We know from the economic analysis we are publishing today that every job in manufacturing fully supports another 1.7 jobs elsewhere in the economy. For every £1 billion of GVA, it delivers a further £700 million in output elsewhere in the economy.
"In total, the sector now contributes a total of £16 billion. MJM is a great example of what makes our manufacturing economy so strong. They provide good jobs at a regional level; they are export-focused and have a huge indirect and induced impact on the economy."
