Winsford-based Tiger Trailers has become the first trailer manufacturer and commercial vehicle bodybuilder to become a partner of the Northern Powerhouse, which is working to strengthen the local economy through investment in skills, innovation, transport and culture.
The announcement comes just weeks ahead of contractors starting the build phase for Tiger Trailers’ new £22m purpose-built factory. This will sit on a 20-acre plot of land close to Tiger’s current site and support the creation of approximately 270 new jobs, including 80 within the next 12 months.
Tiger’s invitation to join the Northern Powerhouse followed a meeting with local Member of Parliament Antoinette Sandbach and Northern Powerhouse Minister, Jake Berry, during which they discussed the firm’s ambitious growth plans, alongside its commitment to offering apprenticeships and graduate training.
John Cartwright, Joint Managing Director of Tiger Trailers, says: “Tiger has become a great success story for British manufacturing and we’re thrilled to be joining the Northern Powerhouse. In just four years we’ve manufactured more than 4,000 trailers and bodies, developed a fantastic customer base and become one of the fastest growing businesses in our sector.
“From day one we have set out to employ the best people we can, whilst also developing our own apprenticeship programme to nurture young talent. And it’s by having such a skilled team that we’ve been able to build products which are delivering real efficiency savings for the industry. We support everything the Northern Powerhouse stands for, and we are incredibly proud to be growing our business here in Cheshire.”
Northern Powerhouse Minister, Jake Berry says: “As a rapidly growing, innovative manufacturer supporting hundreds of jobs in the local economy and providing new opportunities for apprentices and young people at the beginning of their careers, Tiger Trailers embodies the dynamism and ingenuity of the Northern Powerhouse. I am delighted to welcome them as a new Northern Powerhouse Partner and I’m looking forward to working with Tiger Trailers on supporting their contribution to the economically resurgent North.”
Tiger Trailers plans to begin the process of transferring production into its new factory in late 2018, with the site becoming fully operational during early 2019. Once live, it will feature a dedicated in-house training facility that will allow Tiger to potentially double its yearly apprentice intake, as well as running its own training courses covering almost every aspect of the manufacturing operation.
Tiger Trailers’ decision to join the Northern Powerhouse follows news of John and Steven Cartwright being named in the Top 10 of Motor Transport’s prestigious Power Players for 2018. They feature alongside Tesla’s Elon Musk, CEO of DX Group Lloyd Dunn, CEO of Eddie Stobart Logistics Alex Laffey, and the CEO of Hermes UK Martin de Lange – each selected for being key influencers within the transport and logistics industry for the coming year.