Geared up

As part of ongoing plans for growth and expansion in 2018, composite door manufacturer Apeer has invested in its Ballymena factory with the addition of three new machines.

Managing director Asa McGillian said: “This investment in machinery forms just part of a wider programme of improvements being made to our factory, production processes and general infrastructure. There is a definite focus on improving our production capacity this year and with the purchase of three new machines we are some way towards achieving our target. We had the SCM Accord 25 with five axes installed in January, and the addition of this CNC machine has already helped increase our door production.”

Also aiding this increase is the addition of a new spray booth and infrared curing oven. After experiencing a notable surge in demand for coloured doors, especially two-tone doors, the company has invested in a third spray booth to ensure that they continue to manufacture within lead times and without any compromise on quality.

Requests for larger decorative glass designs have also multiplied in recent months and Asa and his team recognised this as an area for the company to diversify.

“We made the decision to add a Cadblast CB 4800glass plotter earlier this year and it is one of the improvements that has helped us to remain competitive,” he said. “We already offer a bespoke 600mm decorative glass service but the addition of the new machine means we can now offer larger templates up to 1,200mm, presenting our installer partners with a wider choice of bespoke glass options to pass on to their customers.”