CLOTHING company in Strabane, Co Tyrone, is planning to build two new factories which will create around 800 jobs. It is understood that one of the plants will be opened in Newry, Co Down. The site for the second has not yet been decided.

Adria Ltd currently employs 1,600 people in its factories in Strabane, and in Lisnaskea in Co Fermanagh. It is reportedly setting up its new plants outside Co Derry because of the difficulty of recruiting extra workers despite the high unemployment in the area.

The company is a major force in the hosiery business. Its range of tights and stockings is sold in Britain, Europe, and the US. It has recently started making underwear. A rise in orders has resulted in the need to expand its workforce.

Neither Adria nor the Industrial Development Board would comment last night but it is believed that the company will receive significant IDB backing for its plans.