Farlow Engineering Ltd
Project Summary
Alan Farlow, Director of Farlow Engineering Ltd, Garvagh, Co L/Derry identified demand in the marketplace for bespoke double decker trailers, which the company could respond to if the operational capability of the business could be developed. With funding sought through the NI Rural Development Programme via The Rural Business Investment Scheme, the company constructed a purpose built 6,400 square foot fabrication workshop on their existing site, allowing the business to manufacture a range of double deck trailer products with a view to specifically targeting the UK mainland market. As a result, the project has created 8 full time jobs, mainly in engineering operative roles.
Project Information
Farlow Engineering Ltd is a Garvagh based family business involved in the manufacture of lorry bodies, trailers, waste disposal equipment, alloy vandal guards, cabs, wrought iron products and all types of general engineering. With the development of the new double deck trailer products and the lack of suitability of their existing premises (due to height restrictions), a purpose-built workshop has been undertaken with cranes built into the new structure to accommodate fabrication requirements.
Activities
The company was awarded £90,000 towards the construction of a dedicated fabrication workshop for the manufacture of curtain-side trailers at the existing business premises.
Benefits
Funding from the programme enabled the construction of the workshop to proceed therefore increasing the business’s operational capacity to design and build more bespoke type trailers specifically for the UK mainland market. This in turn has increased the potential to deliver sales. An additional 8 new jobs were created within the business, allowing local people to avail of employment opportunities within the engineering sector.
Lessons
Funding from the Rural Development Programme enabled the construction of a dedicated fabrication workshop for the business. The company acknowledges the importance of working closely with the Rural Development Team within Causeway Coast and Glens Local Action Group and keeping the lines of communication open to ensure the successful delivery of the project.
