Former SDC Trailers managing director Mark Cuskeran has launched a new manufacturing business in Northern Ireland with William Stobart, who previously headed up the Eddie Stobart transport empire.

Mr Cuskeran spearheaded the expansion of SDC to become one of Europe’s leading trailer manufacturers, before guiding the company through its sale to a Chinese company in 2016.

His new venture — MAW Engineering Ltd based in County Antrim — will specialise in the manufacture of walking floor trailers, truck bodies and home delivery vans.

The company has built a 50,000ft² factory on a six-acre site in Toome.