Work has started on largest Axminster carpet factory in GB as Griffiths Textile Machines expands Washington operation
After almost 12 months of planning, groundworks have finally commenced at the new home for Ulster North East (UNE) in Alston Road, Pattinson North.
Ulster North East (UNE) is the Axminster carpet manufacturing division of Griffiths Textile Machines (GTM), which designs and builds high-speed looms for the textiles industry.
Designed to be the Ulster Group’s most efficient and sustainable manufacturing facility, the new home will act as a blueprint for all our future developments.
The facility at Alston Road will initially house 8 GTM fast Axminster new generation looms. The new looms combine PSYLO weaving technology along with AGV material transport which will ensure the plant is the most advanced state-of-the-art Axminster facility in the world. The factory will also be the largest Axminster carpet factory in GB.
Further fast and new generation Axminster looms will be installed to meet the recent surge in demand following recovery from the devastating pandemic. This will add significant jobs to the operation at UNE, with a focussed recruitment drive ongoing.
To support the need for new looms, GTM has increased its engineering capability and expanded into the provision of machined components into sectors outside of the textiles industry, recently completing projects for a large Offshore renewables organisation.
