Major investment programme nears completion

Moffett Engineering Limited, a world leader in the manufacture of truck-mounted forklifts, will complete an £8.2 million investment programme to its factory in Dundalk in June.

It follows a 24-month period, which has seen the company increase production by 20% pre annum with an average 2,600 machines now being produced, of which 98% are exported, produced by a team of 260 people.

Moffett in Dundalk manufactures all moving mast machines in the joint truck-mounted forklift range, including top-selling models, the M5, M8 and M9. Ireland is also responsible for pre-sales, after sales, marketing and training facilities for both Dundalk and its other production facility in Holland. A team of more than 30 engineers is committed to a research and development programme geared towards continuous improvement, reinforcing the company’s commitment to excellence.

Investment has been made in three key areas. Some £1.6 million has been made in a truck mounted forklift component centre with robotic welding technology. Initially, this will produce masts for Moffett Engineering Ltd, Moffett-Kooi bv and Princeton truck-mounted forklifts in the USA, along with machine frames for several models in the range.

A further investment of £3.3 million has also been made in the installation of a new Powder Paint Line at the production centre. This a fully pressurised paint system guaranteeing a clean and dust free working environment. It is of automotive standard of pre-treatment powder painting, increasing the quality, durability and consistency of the product.

The system will meet all European Environmental Legislation: reducing water usage, decreasing zinc effluent discharge and recycling of grey powder. All standards of European Health and Safety Legislation will be satisfied with new conveyor drop sections eliminating heavy manual lifting.

The final phase of investment is a new look assembly process costing approx £1.0m. This investment will be completed by next month.