After what it says was its best ever year in the UK, Irizar is building for future success by pressing ahead with the development of its new HQ, located near Blyth in north Nottinghamshire. The site was purchased in 2018, but economic uncertainties as a result of Brexit put the project on hold, with the timeline being further impacted by the implications of Covid-19. However, the company says that a return to positive trading in 2023, followed by a record year in 2024, and strong order books through to 2026 has allowed it to move forward with the project.
The core of the development on the four-acre site will include showroom and coach handover facilities, along with office accommodation, and extensive coach parking facilities. With a planning application submitted, and selection of main contractors underway, Irizar says it is expecting to be in the new facility towards the end of 2025.
Reflecting on the significance of the project, Andrew Blundell, Managing Director of Irizar UK, commented: “It’s a major milestone for Irizar in the United Kingdom. We have reached a key transitional phase in the evolution of the business, and investing in our own premises will give us the capacity to further enhance our market position in the UK.
“Given the post-Covid turbulence impacting bus and coach manufacturers, customers should see this significant investment as not only a long-term commitment to our intentions for the UK market, but also a reflection on the stability of Irizar and its ability to weather challenges and remain focused on the longer term. We have confidence in the UK, and a commitment to deliver for our customers.”
