Tag: Northern Ireland
Kerr’s Tyres & Auto creates 20 new jobs in £2.5 million investment
Northern Ireland’s Kerr’s Tyres & Auto is investing£2.5 million in a new company HQ, featuring a distribution centre and retail centres. According to the company, the expansion project will create 20 jobs, bringing the total number of employees in the company to over 100.
Kerr’s Tyres buys M & S Tyres Enniskillen
Northern Ireland-based Kerr’s Tyres & Auto has acquired M & S Tyres in Enniskillen for an undisclosed sum. According to the company, the acquisition will further strengthen Kerr’s Tyres’ regional coverage. Kerr’s have retained the current staff and are recruiting further so customer service in the region can be maintained and further services introduced.
Last tyre made in Michelin’s Ballymena plant
Production at the Michelin tyre plant in Ballymena, Northern Ireland came to an end last week. Although the facility won’t officially close until 30 June, The Belfast Telegraph writes that production ended last Wednesday, with the final tyre finished the following day.
Michelin Ballymena site to be turned into business park following factory closure
Michelin has announced plans to convert part of the site of its closing Northern Ireland manufacturing plant to a business park following its sale to Silverwood Property Developments. The tyre manufacturer will complete the closure of its Ballymena plant in June, after the last tyre rolls off its production line in April, ending 50 years of manufacturing. Some of the site – reportedly around 10 acres – has been earmarked for Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, as it attempts to win its bid to host a regional Heathrow Logistics Hub, supporting proposed construction work at the West London airport.
Maximum 125 job losses at Sensata Northern Ireland
A maximum of 125 jobs will be cut at Sensata’s factory in Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland. Company representatives clarified their plans in response to earlier reports suggesting as many as 275 jobs were at risk. The latest information is that, while 275 employees have been told that their positions are “at risk”, the number of job losses will be capped at 125. A company spokesperson confirmed this in a statement in answer to Tyres & Accessories questions on the matter:
275 jobs ‘at risk’ at Sensata Northern Ireland TPMS sensor plant
As many as 275 jobs at Sensata Technologies (formerly known as Schrader International before the TPMS sensor business was bought by Sensata) are at risk after it was announced that 125 are being axed at the factory in Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland.
Ulster Tyres celebrates its 40th anniversary
2 January 2018 is a very special day in the history of Ulster Tyres. 40 years ago the company was founded by husband and wife team Joe and Brighid McGinley. Joe was a director for a local tyre company and seen the opportunities in the tyre trade. Tentatively they opened the business in 1978 beside Whitehouse Motors in Ballybofey.
‘Angry’ ITIA calls waste tyre management scheme that is ‘fit for purpose’
Addressing the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Climate and Environment in relation to the Waste Management (Tyres and Waste Tyres) Regulations 2017, Paddy Murphy, president of ITIA (Irish Tyre Industry Association) stated: “The tyre industry is frustrated and angry at not being heard in relation to its concerns about the successful operation of the new waste tyre scheme under the new regulations. We are now calling on the committee to nullify the regulations or make recommendations that will take into account three key issues as raised by the Industry.
Bandvulc gives Kerr’s Northern Ireland exclusivity
Bandvulc has awarded Kerr’s Tyres & Auto exclusivity for its product range in Northern Ireland. This follows on from Kerr’s appointment at the beginning of 2017 as the sole supplier of Uniroyal TBR (truck tyres) for this region.
Kerr’s Tyres & Auto to invest £2 million creating 15 new jobs
Kerr’s Tyres & Auto, a family-run business first established in 2002, has announced plans to invest in its current premises throughout the province with plans to open a further two additional centres over the next two years. This means investing up to £2 million in the business, creating at least 15 new jobs and a new training facility designed to help with upskilling fitters.
NFDA discusses confidence, legislation and Brexit in Belfast
The new car market following Brexit, the role of dealerships, consumer legislation - including Consumer Rights Act, and the NFDA Consumer Attitude Survey, were the main topics of discussion at the NFDA meeting in Belfast. “The UK new car market may stabilise slightly in the near future, but will still be strong. Our sector has demonstrated its resilience over the past months and dealers have been coping well with recently introduced measures and unexpected challenges”, said Sue Robinson, director of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA).
Brian Funnell and Lennie Wells become NTDA honorary life members
In addition to a number of popular and highlight competitive Tyre Industry Awards, the NTDA also recognised two of its leading regional leaders - Brian Funnell and Lennie Wells.
Pirelli looks to add to BRC asphalt success on Ulster Rally
Pirelli will supply its crews with the P Zero RK range of asphalt tyres, including the RK7B medium compound, as it seeks another strong showing at the Ulster Rally, the latest stage in the British Rally Championship. Pirelli locked out the podium places on the one previous all-Tarmac event this season – the Circuit of Ireland in April – and will be supplying a strong contingent of drivers on the 19-20 August event.
ECP expands in Northern Ireland
Car parts distributor Euro Car Parts (ECP) has increased its presence in Northern Ireland with the opening of a new branch at Diviny Drive, Portadown in County Armagh.
SDC trailers bought by Chinese firm CIMC
Chinese firm CIMC Vehicles has acquired Northern Irish firm Retlan Manufacturing Limited, which includes well-known trailer manufacturer SDC Trailers Local news sources quote David Li, general manager and director of the board of CIMC Vehicles, as saying: "We are delighted to have acquired the Retlan Group. The acquisition will mark an exciting new chapter in its history. We look forward to working with the existing management to continue its fine tradition of high quality UK-based manufacturing and to the opportunity for further investment to help grow the business.”