Apeer has announced another sizable investment in machinery for 2021, during a site visit by the local council’s Mayor to see the factory’s latest extension and to hear about the business’s continuing successful growth and recent workforce expansion.
The visit by the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Cllr Peter Johnston, follows what has been an exceptional time for Apeer doors and sister brand Lumi windows, based in Ballymena, Northern Ireland. Following two factory expansions – most recently, the completion of an additional 20,000ft2 extension – to house multiple plant and machine investments over the past four years, the business has also recently increased its workforce with the creation of 45 new jobs.
Among the machines now set to be installed in the newly expanded plant as part of this latest investment are a 5-axis CNC router, a second 4-head seamless welder, a 4-axis CNC machining centre and a ceramic roller robotic cleaner. In addition, a 4-head plasma treatment machine is to be delivered to the site in the summer.
The Mayor requested the visit to see first hand what is now one of the largest manufacturing businesses in the area. He met with Apeer’s senior management team to get an overview of the business and how it has grown in the past five years – and to discover how, despite the challenges of the pandemic, Apeer has managed to maintain its strong growth position by targeting specific elements of its marketing and focusing on quality.
“The past year has been a time of great challenges for our industry but also great opportunity for us, which we have been quick to capitalise on,” said Apeer’s Production Director Chris Wilson.
“Since re-opening our doors safely after lockdown, we’ve seen unprecedented demand for our composite doors and Lumi windows as people who have spent so much time at home now look to upgrade their homes with the best in craftsmanship and built-to-last quality.
“Lumi, our award-winning frameless window and door range, has taken the self-build market here by storm. And with the projection of more homes being built across the UK, we expect demand to remain high and we are determined to grow the business through 2021 and beyond.
“This latest round of investment in new machinery will enable us to continue to increase workflow, efficiencies and overall productivity to help feed this demand. This, along with our ongoing investment in digital marketing to further build our Apeer and Lumi brands, will help ensure we stay at the top of our game. Our aim is to continue to be the first port of call for customers who want unrivalled quality windows and doors.”
