SLURRY handling and spreading equipment manufacturer SlurryKat is marking its 15th anniversary by investing in a new research and development facility and team hub on its 52-acre site in Waringstown.
Founded in 2008 by Garth Cairns, the firm has grown extensively, with sales increasing 40-fold since inception (it currently exports to around 25 countries) and its workforce swelling to more than 80.
Through extensive R&D and sustained investment in its manufacturing process, SlurryKat has designed innovative solutions for precise slurry distribution systems, as well other agricultural equipment and developing products for the waste and biogas industry.
Its manufacturing facility has seen major expansion over the past decade. Initially starting in a small workshop which saw the first development of alternative slurry spreading technologies, it has grown into a 120,000 sq ft production facility.
The latest investment includes a 10,000 sq ft R&D facility, understood to be the first of its kind globally, and represents a multi-million investment to support the company’s longer-term growth.
Part of the advanced facility will allow the firm to test equipment with different pressures and flow rates in its bid to continually develop and refine the performance of new and existing products for the global slurry market.
SlurryKat has opened a team hub for staff as part of the investment which includes a canteen, shower facilities and a commercial grade kitchen as part of its commitment to improving the wellbeing of members of staff.
The firm’s success over the years has been underpinned by a global sales network to include Norway, Iceland, Chile and New Zealand, with exports representing 70 per cent of sales.
Garth Cairns said: “I’m immensely proud of our achievements over the past 15 years. Slurry plays a big part in the agriculture industry across the UK, Ireland and beyond. We wanted to build equipment that could overcome the different challenges we see in different markets across the world, and over the years our team has been working tirelessly to evolve and develop our machinery to be as efficient as possible for our customers.”
He added: “The firm is robust in its approach to modernisation and efficiency with continual investments in technology such as a laser cutting machines, shot blasting and paint shop facilities.
“It’s a competitive industry and as a company we’ve been constantly growing and evolving with the industry and adapting our designs to be leaders in the market.
“SlurryKat products are environmentally focused, they are designed to ensure precision delivery in an efficient and cost-effective way and to be fuel efficient as possible.
“We are very aware of the environmental challenges and as part of this, we’re planning a green energy factory production facility in the three-year capital plan with an aim to be self-sufficient within five years.”
