The Industrial Development Board is planning to build a 50,000 square foot advance factory in north Belfast in an attempt to attract inward investors to the area, according to Northern Ireland Economy Minister, Mr Adam Ingram.

"I am confident that the factory, which is larger than the usual type of advance facility provided by the IDB, will be of interest to overseas companies seeking an operational base in Northern Ireland," Mr Ingram said.

The £2 million factory, which is to be built on a site at Northgate, near the Antrim Road, is one of several such factories which have been built by the IDB in the Belfast area, in the hope that they will be occupied by overseas companies.

"Northgate is an ideal location because of its position close to the Port of Belfast," Mr Ingram said. "It is also within easy reach of both Belfast City and Belfast International Airports. Equally important for potential investors is the availability of young people in the area, who are seeking employment and who would be keen to take part in skills training programmes."