Antrim manufacturer set to double workforce amid construction recovery

Manufacturing company SAM Mouldings (SAM) has today announced that it has doubled its employee numbers in the last three years, increasing from 90 to 180 since 2013, in response to a significant upturn in demand from the construction sector.
SAM Mouldings MD Richard Holmes. left, with Manufacturing Northern Ireland CEO Stephen KellySAM Mouldings MD Richard Holmes. left, with Manufacturing Northern Ireland CEO Stephen Kelly
SAM Mouldings MD Richard Holmes. left, with Manufacturing Northern Ireland CEO Stephen Kelly

The family run business, which is based in Antrim, has embarked on an ambitious Vision 2020 business strategy which will see it target a 100 per cent increase in turnover in five years.

Founded in 1990, SAM manufactures high quality MDF mouldings, including skirting and architrave, for use across the UK, Ireland and Europe.

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Following the launch of the innovative SAM Zero product range in 2014, the company moved to seven day a week production.

Additional operational improvements have enabled the company to achieve industry leading delivery times to its customers.

Richard Holmes, managing director of SAM, said: “The past three years have been a particularly exciting time for the company as we have doubled in size and recruited for 90 new positions.

We are keen to build on this momentum and we are looking ahead to the next five years with a focused and goal orientated strategy in place.

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“We have already implemented several changes in order to achieve our targets, including introducing a new marketing department, launching a new website and moving to seven day a week production.

“We have recently introduced a new product development department to enable the company to react quickly to the growing opportunities within the construction sector.”

“I am immensely proud of our team and I believe that it is through their commitment and loyalty to the company that we have achieved such success to date.

“This is an ambitious company and we have attracted great talent throughout the years.

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“We work hard to provide development opportunities that will help our staff to achieve their career goals. I think it speaks volumes that almost 30 per cent of our staff has been with the company for 10 years or more.”

Stephen Kelly, chief executive of Manufacturing Northern Ireland, said: “Despite some difficult manufacturing news in County Antrim in recent months, the growth of SAM is evidence of the continued success of the local manufacturing sector.

“We have great people making great products enjoyed in markets at home and abroad.

“Companies such as SAM prove that we and they can take on and beat international competition.

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“Their success is built on a settled and skilled workforce, understanding their market needs and quality leadership.

“Their investment in people, product and market development has led to this huge growth and will lead to future, long term success.”

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