Smurfit Ireland, a division of the Jefferson Smurfit Group confirmed yesterday that it was investing more than £7 million in its carton manufacturing operation in Belfast. As revealed in yesterday's Irish Times, the investment programme will result in some additional employment to augment the existing 125 jobs at the plant, known as Smurfit TP. The programme is being supported by the Industrial Development Board for Northern Ireland (IDB).

Smurfit general manager, Mr Stan Hurd said the company was buying new state-of-the-art printing equipment which would improve quality, efficiency, capacity and customer service. He said it would also strengthen the company's overall competitiveness in the tobacco, toiletries and food markets in Ireland and Britain.

"As a result of this investment we aim to substantially increase turnover by the end of 199, becoming an even more significant force in the folding carton market," he said.

Mr Bruce Robinson, IDB chief executive, said it was an important investment in Northern Ireland's successful and growing packaging industry.

The company manufactures cartons and other packaging for leading companies including Gallaher and Wilkinson's Sword.