Ulster Carpets is expanding into the Middle East in an effort to tap into the new market for the company.

The Portadown-based firm, which employs 400 people, has invested in a new office and showroom in Dubai.

Elaine Patterson, sales director at Ulster Carpets, said: “Ulster Carpets has always been a global leader in carpeting luxury hotels and we are renowned for our ability to produce high quality, bespoke flooring solutions.

“Moving into the Middle East is a natural progression for us and we are encouraged by the business opportunities which are opening up for us in this market.”

Ulster Carpets has already secured orders from the Ritz Carlton and the Aviation Club and, with its PSYLO weaving technology, it is able to create individual designs.

Dr Vicky Kell, Invest Northern Ireland trade director, said: “Ulster Carpets has used our Technology and Development Centre in Dubai and trade missions to this important region to pinpoint and exploit the huge business opportunities that exist there. Setting up an office and showroom there is an important strategic development that will enable this progressive Northern Ireland company to expand its exports to the Gulf.”

The company, world renowned for its carpets which feature in the Ocean’s 11 and 12 films, has been commissioned for many international and national projects with many of the world’s most notable hospitality groups including Marriott, Renaissance, Hyatt, Hilton, Kempinski and Intercontinental.

Last month, following a review of its business strategy, Ulster Carpets announced it is to remain in Portadown, but will consolidate its manufacturing operations into one facility.

The company is the only surviving major woven carpet manufacturer in the UK and Ireland and had considered relocating manufacturing to Asia where all its main competitors are based.

It intends to move all its operations to its factory at Seagoe, selling the current factory site at Castleisland and its other land at Carn.

A new distribution centre is currently being constructed at the Seagoe site.