A Belfast furniture-manufacturer has announced a £1.4 million sterling (#2.15 million) investment to increase its export business in the Republic.

The SOS Group employs 112 people making furniture for schools, colleges, universities, and offices at its 135,000 sq ft factory in the south of the city. SOS also supplies personal fitness equipment to the Northern Ireland leisure sector, and is planning to expand this area of business into the Republic.

Managing director Mr Harry Walsh, who set up SOS in 1968, said the investment included the purchase of specialised machinery that would enable the company to provide high-specification products of the kind being demanded by customers in the Republic.

"We have a solid base in the Republic and we have identified substantial opportunities through our close relationships with architects and planners," said Mr Walsh.

"Our computer-aided design service has proved to be a very important facility, and has enabled us to offer architects a fast, flexible, and customised service in the design and manufacturing process."

The project is being supported by an IDB grant of £318,000.