The North’s biggest independent tyre firm has announced plans for the development at a Newry business park. 

The company said it had identified a niche in the market for quality wheel and rim mounting products for lorries and agricultural vehicles and has now submitted a planning application for a 83,000 sq ft manufacturing plant at Carnbane Business Park.

Along with rim and tyre manufacture the centre will provide facilities for the refurbishment of wheel rims.

The Industry monitor Construction Information Service has valued the project at an estimated £5.6 million.

The company which has its headquarters on the Tempo Road in Enniskillen, already operates a site within the industrial estate, which is owned by Invest NI.

The plans include office and welfare facilities, yard storage and site works.

It is believed that between 35 an 45 staff could be based at the factory.

The company was set up by Jimmy Byrne in Fermanagh in 1965 and since then Modern Tyres has continued to expand.

It now includes 30 branches in the North and another 10 in the South.

Mr Byrne stepped down as a director in December 2017 and his four sons, Connor, Rory, Shane and Niall, now largely run the business.

The latest company accounts released by Modern Tyres show a turnover of £22.4 million for the year ending December 31 2017, up from £20.9 million. 

Staff continues to grow also, up from 138 to 142.