Forklift truck manufacturer Hyster-Yale is planning a huge extension to its production facilities in County Armagh.
The company has lodged plans which would see over 130,000 sq ft of additional floorspace for its Craigavon operations.
And it is a move which could create a considerable number of new jobs.
Proposals for two extensions to the existing factory at Carn, on the Charlestown Road, have been submitted to Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council for consideration.
A pre-application notice was made last year, indicating that the proposals fall within the ‘major’ category of development.
Hyster-Yale’s Craigavon facility was established back in 1981, its location cited as providing easy access to major road, rail and seaport links.
The increasing market has led to the need to develop.
The two new extensions – mainly to accommodate production – indicate over 130,000 sq ft of new floorspace.
The existing barrel store, waste skips, oil tanks and storage racks are to be relocated to beyond the existing access road, which is to be realigned to accommodate HGV turning.
A total of 111 new parking spaces are planned too. These will be mapped out adjacent to the existing car park to the north of the main factory building.
According to a design and access statement, the development is suited to the area and will not impact upon residents or road users.
It states: “The access to the site and the nature and frequency of associated traffic movements will not prejudice the safety and convenience of road users or constitute a nuisance to neighbouring residents by virtue of noise, dirt and dust.”
It will “visually integrate” with the existing factory; all existing landscaping and native species planting will be retained, which “provides screening and helps to integrate the development into the surrounding countryside”.
The design and access statement also reveals there would be a boost in terms of local jobs.
It comes after the market has taken a rapid increase in business.
The statement reveals: “The Hyster-Yale plant at Charlestown Road, Craigavon is in the process of updating all of its products to a new range of transformative modular and scaleable models. This – paired with a lift truck market that is growing at a faster rate than ever expected – has driven the application to apply for additional space to facilitate new production processes.”
It is expected, therefore, to bring good news on the jobs front too!
The statement adds: “The proposal is likely to translate into newly created employment opportunities, both direct and indirect, for the local economy.
“Furthermore, the proposal will help to secure employment in the Craigavon area for years to come.”
The proposals will now be advertised shortly.
