ARC Devices, which manufactures non-contact infra-red digital thermometers for use at home by consumers and in clinical environments by medical professionals, has set up a facility in Holywood, County Down, creating 13 high-quality jobs.

Announcing this investment, Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster said: “The establishment of ARC Devices in Northern Ireland adds to our growing Life Sciences sector and introduces expertise in the niche field of thermometry. Life Sciences is an important sector — characterised by knowledge-based activity and high levels of productivity — that can help to grow our local economy.

“The support offered by Invest Northern Ireland, collaboration opportunities and the benefits of R&D available in the UK made Northern Ireland an attractive choice for ARC Devices in choosing where to base its operations.” Invest Northern Ireland has offered the company £74,000 towards its investment and is supporting six of the jobs.

CEO Kevin Paul said: “Our thermometers are currently sold in 22 countries around the world. Their non-contact functionality alleviates the stress associated with taking temperature — especially for babies, children and the elderly — and the new sensor technology delivers unparalleled accuracy. Invest NI’s support has allowed us to move quickly to recruit high-calibre staff and get our business activity under way.”