A new factory could be built at Edenaveys as part of a substantial investment which would bring much-needed jobs to Armagh.
And it is hoped that the development could be a catalyst for further such industrial enterprises in the area.
The factory – costing in the region of £1.8 million and stretching to over 15,000 sq ft – would be purpose-built for Total Batching Solutions Ltd.
It would be constructed on a site at Edenaveys Road on “vacant land zoned for industrial use”, which would benefit in terms of its strategic placement close to the future route of the planned Armagh east link road.
The factory premises would include a fabricating and assembly building, as well as modular office units. Three single-storey modular buildings will be located along the south western corner of the site, adjacent to the point of access, providing security and surveillance over the site. They will house office accommodation, meeting rooms, storage and welfare facilities.
There would also be car parking provision, landscaping and associated site works.
An application to build has been lodged with Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.
According to the proposals, the factory would see 14 members of staff on site daily when up and running.
But the information presented to council reveals that the new factory – if given the go-ahead – will enable “further investment and growth”.
It will also “enable employment growth locally and regionally for skilled welders, designers, production operatives, administration and finance staff”.
The plans reveal: “The proposed factory is to be an engineering fabrication facility which will be used to manufacture concrete batching units from a variety of components, many of which are made by sub-contractors off site and assembled in the factory.
“The main activities carried out in the factory will be welding and fitting.
“Officers and welfare facilities are to be located in purpose-built modular buildings.”
According to a supporting statement, Total Batching Solutions, currently with its main base at Cabragh Road, was founded in 2014, and specialises in the supply of large concrete batching plant for the ready mix sector. It is approved by the four major concrete suppliers – Cemex, Hanson, Aggregate Industries and Tarmac – and also supplies to a large range of independent firms.
The success of the business has meant the need to build new accommodation.
The statement explains: “Total Batching Solutions Ltd is a rapidly developing company, currently trading from three rented premises throughout Armagh, that no longer meets the operational needs of the business.
“The current proposal will enable phase one of its relocation from substandard and fragmented rented properties to a new multi-purpose development, enabling further investment and growth within their business.
“The creation of a bespoke factory premises at the application site is an essential move for this thriving business.
“The company have carried out a substantial amount of research regarding site location over recent years, and it has proven very difficult to find a suitable site/premises.
“As such they are very excited with the current proposal and the opportunities it would bring to the company.”
The proposed location is described as being 60 metres south of number 15 Edenaveys Road, which is the nearest residential property.
The non-speculative proposal, which is supported by Invest NI, is at a location where there are “opportunities on the remainder of the industrial zoning for further expansion”.
The new factory – if given the go-ahead – will “enable employment growth locally and regionally for skilled welders, designers, production operatives, administration and finance staff”.
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