Devon-based specialist vehicle converter GM Coachwork has marked the opening of its new multi-million pound manufacturing facility in Heathfield, Newton Abbot with a grand opening attended by key clients and suppliers and addressed by guest speaker Mike Hawes, CEO of the SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturer and Traders).
The expansion comes on the heels of strong year-on-year growth for the company, which said it has enjoyed healthy growth and demand for its range of wheelchair accessible vehicles, minibuses and campervans. The firm said its new premises will allow the business to increase production to meet growing customer demand and simultaneously offer shorter delivery times for customers.
Since its inception in 1988, the firm has grown substnatially. As an accredited converter for commercial vehicle manufacturers including Iveco, Peugeot, Renault, Vauxhall and Volkswagen, GM builds and delivers bespoke minibuses to customers all over the country. In 2010 it launched its Minibus Lite, which teaching staff could drive on their car licence, addressing a long standing headache for schools and which it says has grown to become a market leader.
More recently the business entered the leisure market with its Ventura campervan brand, and as the second-biggest supplier of vehicles to the Motability scheme GM also offers the largest range of wheelchair accessible vehicles in the country.
“We’re very pleased to announce the opening of a new production facility in Heathfield.” said David Vooght, CEO of GM Coachwork. “This is not only an opportunity to bring more jobs to the area, but it also allows us to further expand our manufacturing capabilities and meet the growing needs of the market.”
“This is a huge moment in our history and a landmark moment. From where we started all those years ago to being able to open a factory of this size is a testament to the hard work of everyone who works for, or who has worked for GM, over the years” added Managing Director Graham Vooght. “This new unit, along with our R&D facility, helps us to develop the next generation of vehicles for our customers going forward.”
