Fuel and convenience retailer Maxol has confirmed plans to open a new service station in Co Londonderry in an expansion of around £2m.
The business, which is owned by the McMullan family, said the new station on Clooney Road in Eglinton would create 20 new jobs.
It will have a Spar convenience store, which will also feature Northern Ireland’s first branch of Maxol cafe/deli Moreish.
Brian Donaldson, Maxol group chief operating officer, said: “We have been seeking a prime location in the north west for some time.
“Therefore, when this opportunity on the Clooney Road presented itself, it was the perfect fit for our new forecourt concept.
“We’re delighted to be able to create more than 20 new jobs including shop sales assistants and deli sales positions.
“We are also looking for a licensee for Eglinton, which is a great opportunity for someone who is keen to start their own business.”
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The new service station is due to open in December 2014, and will bring the number of Maxol stations in Northern Ireland to 105.
In total, there are 233 north and south.
Of that network, around 30 are owned by Maxol and the rest are independently owned by licensees on a three- to five-year contract.
Over the last 18 months Maxol has invested around £40m in Northern Ireland and the Republic with the opening of 20 new service stations and the roll-out out of its new forecourt image at 150 stations.
Maxol Group had an annual turnover of around £564m in 2011 and currently employs more than 1,000 people in Northern Ireland and the Republic, either directly or indirectly.
It has been operating across the island of Ireland for more than 90 years and is headed up by chief executive Tom Noonan, who joined the business as personnel manager 35 years ago.
The company also said that anyone interested in becoming a Maxol licensee should visit the website www.maxol.ie/ opportunity.