Modern Tyres opens new £5.5m manufacturing facility in Newry

Modern Tyres has cut the ribbon on its new £5.5 million manufacturing facility in Carnbane Business Park in Newry.

The new 100,000 square foot facility in Northern Ireland will be home to the firm’s new ‘Modern Wheel Solutions’ division, which will specialise in tyre and rim assembly.

The company says this new division will differ from its core business of tyre wholesaling and retailing to focus on outsourced end-to-end services for tyre manufacturers and original equipment manufacturers.

Modern Wheel Solutions is also expected to create 25 new jobs in the area.

Rory Byrne, director of Modern Tyres said with the addition of Modern Wheel Solutions to the company’s portfolio, it will be able to readily meet the needs of its current and future clients.

“The new facility will improve efficiencies within the family-run company, allowing Modern Tyres to provide a complete end-to-end service.

“Our new purpose-built manufacturing facility will allow our business to grow, and with more employees, we can capitalise on new opportunities in export markets,” Byrne said.

The official opening of the new manufacturing facility was held during Modern Tyres’ annual conference on 14th January, which was also the first time in two years that the company has been able to bring its staff together.

While undoubtedly it was a cause for celebration as the members of the Byrne family gathered for the ribbon cutting, it was also a time of reflection for them.

Last June their father and company founder Jimmy Byrne sadly passed away. Rory Byrne said that while it was sad that Jimmy wasn’t present to witness the company’s latest massive step, his input into the planning of the project is clear to see.

Jimmy founded Modern Tyres in 1965, starting with a single tyre depot. Today the company has grown to 48 branches and in turn Ireland’s largest independent tyre retailer, employing over 200 people.