Global Superconducting Technology Investment Chooses Larne for First International Expansion
22nd Sep 2026
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council have welcomed the announcement that Xi’an Superconducting Wire Technologies Co. Ltd. (XST) has established its first manufacturing facility outside China in Larne.
The new operation, Superconducting Technologies Northern Ireland (STNI), will manufacture high-performance superconducting materials for use in MRI machines and other advanced technology applications, bringing specialist manufacturing capability to Northern Ireland’s growing advanced manufacturing sector.
Based at Ballyhampton Road, Larne, the investment will create 41 operational and engineering jobs and further strengthen the borough’s position as one of Northern Ireland’s leading manufacturing locations.
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Thomas Gordon, said:
“I am delighted to welcome XST and Superconducting Technologies Northern Ireland to Larne and to see this important investment taking shape here in Mid and East Antrim.
The decision by XST to establish its first facility outside China is a significant vote of confidence in both our borough and Northern Ireland’s advanced manufacturing sector.
This investment not only creates 41 high-quality jobs but also brings leading-edge superconducting technology capability to the region, further strengthening an already diverse and internationally recognised manufacturing base.
Through the MTF Network, we see first-hand the innovation, expertise and ambition that exists across our manufacturing community. XST’s arrival enhances that ecosystem and creates new opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing and future growth.
Mid and East Antrim has a strong track record of supporting manufacturers to invest, innovate and scale internationally, and we are delighted to welcome STNI to our business community.
We look forward to seeing the company grow in Larne and to supporting its long-term success as part of Northern Ireland’s thriving advanced manufacturing sector.”
The investment highlights Northern Ireland’s continued attractiveness as a location for international advanced manufacturing projects and further enhances Mid and East Antrim’s reputation as a centre of manufacturing excellence, innovation and skills development.
Council and Invest Northern Ireland worked closely with XST’s leadership team throughout the investment process, supporting visits to Northern Ireland to assess potential manufacturing locations and assisting the company in establishing its new facility in Larne.
Supported by Invest Northern Ireland, the project demonstrates the value of collaboration between industry, government and regional partners in attracting investment, creating high-quality employment opportunities and driving economic growth.
Kieran Donoghue, Chief Executive of Invest Northern Ireland, said:
“The company’s decision to manufacture its alloy wires for MRI machines in Larne is a strong vote of confidence in Northern Ireland as a location for international investment and advanced manufacturing.
Our support is helping the company create 41 jobs, which have the potential to contribute almost £1.5 million annually to the local Mid and East Antrim economy.”
