SDC bolsters trailer production with £8.6m upgrade
SDC Trailers’ Toomebridge production site
SDC Trailers has initiated a significant investment project at its Toomebridge and Mansfield production facilities, which it says reinforces its market position through enhanced production capabilities, environmental responsibility, and safety standards.
The strategic investment totals £8.6 million across the manufacturer’s key semi-trailer production sites in Toomebridge, Mansfield, and Southampton.
The investment is said to include integration of advanced manufacturing technologies such as robotics, state-of-the-art spray booths and a new shot blaster system. A new logistics centre at SDC Trailers in Toomebridge has been operational since the start of 2024.
Additionally, the upgrade features a transition from oil to LPG and electric material handling equipment, further enhancing the company’s environmental, sustainability and safety standards.
Paul Bratton, SDC Trailers group president, stated: “SDC has over 46 years of design, build, and support experience, bolstered since 2016 by becoming part of CIMC’s global trailer manufacturing group. This investment will enhance our operational efficiency, quality, and safety standards while underpinning SDC’s long-term growth and sustainability.
“Utilising the latest high-tech equipment will allow us to further improve our customer service levels from the initial trailer order, right through to completion and delivery.”
Established in Toomebridge, Northern Ireland, in 1978, SDC Trailers’ key product lines include curtainsiders, boxvans, skeletal and platform trailers.
With four ISO 9001 accredited production facilities spanning over 1.6 million square metres in Toomebridge, Antrim, Mansfield, and Southampton, SDC Trailers says it maintains a robust infrastructure to support its manufacturing operations.
Paul added: “Through our investment in innovation and upgrading our manufacturing facilities for the future, SDC is well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of our customers and the challenges of the modern manufacturing landscape.
“This significant investment reflects SDC Trailers’ continued commitment to our customers in the UK, Ireland, and further afield.”
SDC’s semi-trailer portfolio is backed by a comprehensive aftermarket service and a network of 18 Parts branches across the UK and Ireland, offering same-day and next-day delivery on over 16,000 truck and trailer parts and consumables.
Four new SDC Parts branches were opened in 2024 in Telford, Durham, Birmingham, and Southampton.
SDC also made a return to IAA Hannover last month with a trailer showcase alongside sister company LAG Trailers. SDC presented two trailers at the six-day event: a multi-use flatbed trailer in WS livery and a concert/stage boxvan in the livery of Transam Trucking, both designed for seamless operation between the UK and Europe.
