A TOOMEBRIDGE trailer manufacturer has completed a £7 million expansion at its headquarters, creating 50 new jobs.
SDC Trailers, the UK and Ireland’s market leading trailer manufacturer officially opened the 60,000 sq ft facility earlier this month, creating employment opportunities for trainee and experienced painters, welders, engineers and material handlers. Once filled the new positions will bring total staff numbers at the Co Antrim firm beyond 900, making it one of the north's largest private sector employers. The investment will also dramatically improve production capability and output at the growing company, which now operates one of the largest manufacturing production sites in Northern Ireland.
SDC Trailers CEO, Enda Cushnahan said the expansion will "revolutionise" the company's manufacturing process.
“The new facility has the systems installed to meet the additional demand of trailers in the new markets, whilst shortening delivery times. In an era where there is uncertainty, this news will be very much welcomed by the surrounding community, cements the firm as market leader in the UK and Ireland and positions it to challenge in markets overseas," Mr Cushnahan said.
The factory expansion is to facilitate piping and wiring operations and the paint process. The new facility, opened in the firm's 40th year, will complement SDC’s sward-winning training academies and ensure a better working environment for staff.
SDC operations officer, Cal Carmichael added:
“Our main objective was to create the best manufacturing working environment in Northern Ireland, enhancing job satisfaction and increasing output of trailers by improving ergonomics. The new working environment now utilises 50 per cent natural light in large open spaces and introducing technology in a new semi-automatic paint line. There is also spacious changing rooms and a subsidised canteen.
"We completed a lengthy planning process, including visiting manufacturing plants in Ireland, the UK and Europe, to ensure that SDC is now one of the best manufacturing environments to work in Northern Ireland."
