About
The Factory on the Hill
Monday 1st June – Friday 24th July 2026
The Turbine Generator factory on the outskirts of Larne, which opened in 1956, had a major impact in the life of the town. It opened at a time when Larne was recovering from the Second World War and one of its main sources of employment, The British Aluminium Co Ltd, had recently closed. News that a new factory, with 1000 jobs, was coming to the town was a lifeline.
The factory changed its name over the 35 years it was in operation but is historically remembered as "The GEC". It was the only factory licensed to build turbines for power stations in the whole of Ireland and had a first-class reputation, winning the prestigious Queen's award for Industry for Exports all over the world. The knock-on effect of the factory and its workers to other businesses locally, brought prosperity to the town and a growing source of employment in its heyday. The sudden news in 1991 that the factory was to close, was a major shock to all in the small town of Larne and its surrounding district.
Larne Museum is holding a major exhibition to commemorate this important part of Larne's history and the men and women who worked at "The GEC". Upon its closure, management donated hundreds of photographs, documents and artefacts to the museum as part of its legacy to the town and many of these will be shown for the first time in the display.
The exhibition will be on display from Monday 1st June until Friday 24th July and includes Saturday opening on 20th June and 18th July.
This exhibition is being held as part of Mid & East Antrim Industrial Heritage Week 2026.
