MDF moulding manufac-turer Springfarm Architectural Mouldings is planning to double capacity by the end of the year to 20 million linear metres per year.
The Antrim-based company is upgrading its second production line with the installation of new machinery to include a £150,000 Dustraction Cattinair plant handling dust extraction from the new 65,000ft² factory and a Nordist boiler for burning MDF waste for heat and power.
The company, which plans to have the upgraded plant up and running by September, is finalising negotiations with additional machinery suppliers.
The new line will increase employment by 40% to 75 staff.
SAM managing director Sam McCrea said that the company’s business had outgrown the existing facility, which was in production 24-hours a day and half the size of the newly-planned premises.
‘This major investment is needed because we want to consolidate our position as market leader. Demand for mouldings is increasing year on year,’ added Mr McCrea.
The new facility has the potential to increase the company’s turnover to £12m, based on the 60p per linear metre average price that the company gets for its product.
The company recently won the UK Business Excellence Award 2000, presented by The Princess Royal. Mr McCrea, who founded the business 10 years ago with his wife Julienne, was awarded an MBE for services to small business earlier this year.
