The purchase of a 12,000 sq m industrial complex near the group's headquarters will enable the manufacturer of wire joining devices to increase its production capability.
The company says this is in response to an “impressive” growth in business.
Following comprehensive redevelopment, the facility will bring together Loadhog’s administrative, production and hi-tech washing activities and house a new 1,700 tonne injection moulding machine.
The Hawke Street facility will also accommodate the group’s dedicated ideas and innovations centre, which incorporates the recently launched incubator, Incub.
The development programme will provide Gripple with the space required to expedite its ongoing growth programme. Production of the Gripple wire joiner, and its agricultural sales team, will transfer to the building vacated by Loadhog. The Old West Gun Works, Gripple’s first ‘home’, will then have the capacity to take in newly ordered machinery ahead of the company launching new products into industrial markets.
Hugh Facey, Gripple chairman, said: “Both Gripple and Loadhog are bursting at the seams and the new complex will provide 150 per cent more space. Our new complex will facilitate the growth of our combined business, the expansion of production from both companies and the amalgamation of Loadhog operations under one roof for the first time. Furthermore, our expansion may well lead to the creation of more jobs which is an agreeable prospect for the region.”
On November 18th the new facility will be opened by a member of the Royal Household who will also present Gripple’s latest Queen’s Award for sustainable development.
