A German tobacco group has launched a multi-million-pound bid to expand its nicotine manufacturing facility in Co Derry.
Nicobrand Limited has been making pharmaceutical-grade nicotine products from its factory in the countryside south of Coleraine since 1982.
Its pharmaceutical-grade nicotine ends up in everything from products that help people quit smoking to vaping liquids and e-cigarettes, known in the industry as ‘next generation products’ (NGP).
The latest company accounts for Nicobrand show its turnover and profit soared in 2024, in a year where it expanded its NGP range.
The Co Derry firm’s pre-tax profit rose 140% year-on-year to £27.3 million after turnover more than doubled to £66.3m.
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Four months after publishing those accounts, Nicobrand has submitted a planning application seeking permission to develop a new distillation facility at Castleroe Road.
The company, which employs around 65 people from its manufacturing complex, has been owned by Contraf-Nicotex-Tobacco GmbH since 2019.
It was previously owned by Israeli pharma group Teva.
A document submitted to Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council indicates the new two-storey building at the Nicobrand factory has been designed for a tall distillation tower.
It states the expansion will strengthen the long-term operational capacity of the company and support the diversification of its product base.
“The facility will enable Nicobrand to expand its product range and manufacturing capability, securing existing employment and generating new skilled jobs, thereby delivering significant economic benefit to the local and wider economy,” states the report.
