Irish-owned pitch manufacturing company, SIS Pitches, has invested €2 million (£1.8 million) in a new turf production facility, safeguarding more than 50 jobs, and creating an additional 15 positions by 2022.

Despite the uncertainty facing businesses through Brexit, SIS Pitches has re-affirmed its commitment to manufacturing with this major investment.

The purchase of a new backing plant will allow SIS Pitches to extend its current site in Maryport, Cumbria, increase production volumes and grow its workforce. The increased volume of high-quality turf available is welcome news for its Irish operations.

SIS Pitches is a world-leading, full-service provider in specialist sports pitches and landscaping grass. The new factory, which covers an area of more than 2,100 square metres, is one of the most technologically-advanced production facilities in Europe. The company will use the new factory to deliver the highest quality, long-lasting synthetic surfaces.

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George Mullan, SIS Pitches Owner and CEO, said: "This investment in new state-of-the-art facilities and technology will support our ambitious growth plans while also creating and safeguarding jobs in the local community.

"The Glasson Industrial Estate has been at the heart of manufacturing for more than 50 years and, despite business uncertainty in the face of Brexit, we are very proud to be able to continue that tradition through this significant investment.

"Our new factory will ensure we continue to provide the highest quality products and increased output, maintaining our position as market leader in the manufacturing of synthetic turf."

The new SIS Pitches facility utilises the latest technology in thermal insulation, LED lighting, laser-fire detection and advanced cladding systems, while the new backing plant will be the most advanced turf backing system in the UK.

The state-of-the-art coating line, the most-advanced in Europe, provides SIS Pitches with the option to run either new standard latex coating or their new 'SISBond' Polyurethane technology, both of which are applied to the back of the synthetic turf during the manufacturing process to secure the artificial grass fibres to the backing cloth.

The line also comprises new straighteners and guidance units to ensure turf products are fit for purpose, plus an advanced roll-up unit to eliminate creasing and enable turf to be rolled tighter than before.

In addition, SIS Pitches has also developed and launched new premium yarn products that are designed to maximise durability and fibre resilience, thus further enhancing their reputation as market-leaders in turf innovation.