Test equipment manufacturer opens £2m factory

Posted on 28 Nov 2017 by Jonny Williamson

Automated test equipment manufacturer Yelo purchased the 3.5-acre site in Trooperslane and constructed its £2m purpose-built facility in less than two years.

Test equipment maker Yelo designs, develops and produces goods for testing and measuring the performance of lasers, radar systems and electronic products – image courtesy of Yelo

Yelo designs, develops and produces goods for testing and measuring the performance of lasers, radar systems and electronic products.

The company’s customers include Cisco and Schneider Electric.

Yelo’s managing director Richard Furey said: “We were keen to design a working environment that reflected the ethos of the company and this custom-built facility is a significant achievement in the history of the business.

“Our new site offers the amenities we need to continue to grow in our target markets. We are grateful for the expertise and support of a range of partners including Invest NI, Architects Teague and Sally, Danske Bank and OB Construction.

“With Invest NI’s continued support we have been able to develop our advanced technology through R&D assistance and then to bring the technology to market by means of trade missions, particularly the US market, still our biggest and now our most successful source of business.

“We want to continue to increase market share in our target areas by developing new and complementary products. Our new facility will enable us to accommodate the additional staff and production levels we need to deliver this vision.”

Alastair Hamilton, chief executive of Invest NI, said: “This new facility marks an exciting new chapter for Yelo that will facilitate the company’s continued growth in North America, Asia and Europe.

“The investment that this high-tech company is making in Carrickfergus is a positive endorsement of both Northern Ireland’s manufacturing industry and the expertise of its skilled workforce.

“Yelo has maintained a close working relationship with Invest NI throughout its development and availed of expert advice on its new factory layout and specification.

“As a result, the manufacturer is adopting energy saving measures and lean principles throughout this facility that will boost efficiencies and enhance its overall competitiveness.”