Due to open in January 2019, the new factory is in Winsford, less than a mile from the trailer maker’s current site, and will enable it to double production to 3,000 trailers and bodies a year.
The manufacturer says it will also create 120 more skilled jobs over three years – it has 40 immediate vacancies, including 20 apprentices.
The site also includes provision for a second build phase to accommodate future growth, increasing its capacity to 5,000 trailers and bodies per year.
Joint managing directors Steven and John Cartwright (pictured, left and right) say the 168,000ft2 facility will speed up delivery times and enable it to branch out into new sectors, including home delivery vehicles and temperature-controlled bodies and trailers.
John Cartwright said: “Today was the start of a new chapter in our history and we wanted to invite everyone on the team to be part of it.”
He added: “We’re confident about what the future holds, and excited about the wider opportunities the new factory will bring – including options to extend beyond our current dry freight product range.”
The new factory will feature heat pumps and LED lighting with automated controls. Natural ventilation will be boosted by a heat recovery ventilation system for the offices and gas-fired radiant heating throughout the production area.