14 new jobs for Kilbeggan firm

Fourteen new jobs are being created at Kilbeggan van manufacturer EVM after the firm signed a new €13.3m contract with a British company for 300 new vehicles.

The new deal with the not-for-profit company One Bus Limited reinforces EMV's position as the largest manufacturer of passenger-carrying vehicles across the UK and Ireland, managing director Danny McGee says.

“Maybe we are not so well known around the midlands because I suppose we focus a lot of our efforts on export business. Ninety per cent of what we build as a company goes for export.”

“EVM Ltd has become the recognised leader in Minibus design and production and was a natural choice for the team at OneBus Ltd when they were tasked with upgrading their fleet of vehicles.

“Several challenges faced the team at EVM, from the increased weight of the Euro 6 Sprinter to the logistics of delivering a large fleet successfully to each end user in various locations throughout the UK."

Established by Mr McGee in late 2009, EMV specialises in converting Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans for customers in the Ireland, the UK and Europe. In 2010 Ivor Jones joined the company as shareholder and production director.

The firm has 40 people working at its bespoke built 40,000 sq ft manufacturing facility in Kilbeggan. The staffing figure will rise to 54 when the recruitment drive is completed.

Although it entered the market at the beginning of the worst recession in decades, EMV says that its turnover has grown every year. In 2014, it recorded a 35% increase in turnover, while in 2015 turnover rose by 19%. Last year, the firm recorded an 18% growth in turnover.

As part of its recruitment drive, EMV is seeking metal fabricators, carpenters, stores personnel, general operatives and automotive mechanics.