The major new state-of-the-art training and storage facility at Altona has opened and become fully operational since the middle of April.
The £3.5 million investment houses one of Ireland’s premier operator and technical training centres, with three indoor and two outdoor spaces for practical training, and four modern rooms for classroom-based learning. 
The four spacious training rooms have been designated the following names:
- Sammons – in recognition of our parent company, Sammons Enterprises
- Pantridge – in memory of local cardiac consultant Frank Pantridge, who invented the portable defibrillator
- Musgrave – in honour of Lisburn-born businessman and philanthropist Henry Musgrave
- Dunlop – in recognition of Hans Dunlop, who has been (and continues to be) integral to the success of Briggs Equipment in Ireland
Other rooms include a kitchen, reception area and three generous offices, which will be occupied by the Training Academy and Facilities Management teams.
At 23,000 square feet, the new unit offers superb storage space for all electric and ‘silver standard’ refurbished equipment, as well as new machinery ready for sale or contract rental. Some short-term hire equipment will also be accommodated.
It is the first building in the Briggs portfolio to be fitted with solar panels, which will provide two thirds of the energy it requires. A thermostatically controlled heat recovery and air conditioning system has also been installed, along with energy-saving LED lighting inside and out. Passive infrared (PIR) sensors will ensure lights come on indoors only when required, while outdoor lights will automatically come on when it gets dark.
Outside, a new road layout and surface has been laid down to ensure all vehicles can safely navigate between the upper and lower yards. This is particularly important as traffic on the Altona site will increase significantly, including more deliveries and first-time visitors arriving for operator training.
New drainage has been installed across the site and the large front yard has also been completely resurfaced with concrete – a significant upgrade on the previous space.
The facility has been built and fitted out by MCS Building and Joinery Limited, who are long-term partners of Briggs Equipment in Ireland. MCS refitted the first unit in Altona prior to Briggs Equipment transferring their operations over from Mallusk in 2019.
We would also like to thank Ashley Lamont of Whittaker & Watt Architects, who produced the original designs.
The building will be officially opened this summer by Briggs Equipment Group Managing Director Pete Jones.
Could Briggs Equipment be a good fit for you and your company? Get in touch with our friendly team to see how we might be able to help you.