Back in business at Britspace site

18/01/2012

 A CARAVAN manufacturer established during one of the worst chapters in the industry\\\'s history has relocated after outgrowing its former home.

Victory Leisure Homes was founded in April 2009 on the former Cosalt Holiday Homes site in Stoneferry Road, east Hull.

Beginning with about 32 employees, the company – which is owned by Hull family firm JR Rix And Sons – launched six models to the market.

Now, it employs more than 80 people and makes 17 different models of static caravans for the UK and European market, as well six varieties of twin-unit lodges.

To accommodate the growing business and its future expansion plans, the company is now relocating to the former home of Britspace, the modular buildings firm which went into administration last August.

The Rix group, which was advised by Malcolm Scott, of Scotts Property LLP, has now completed a deal to buy the factory and land from the administrators for an undisclosed sum.

Peter Nevitt, managing director of Victory Leisure Homes, said the company had been searching for an alternative to its Stoneferry base for some time and had even considered purpose-built premises before the Britspace site came on the market.

He said: "We have been working at full capacity and have been looking to find somewhere new. What happened to Britspace is a terrible shame, but it has presented us with an opportunity that we could not afford to ignore."

The new factory covers 8,000sqm and has better access to the motorway network.

Work to move plant and machinery from east Hull to Gilberdyke is now under way and Mr Nevitt said the company was looking to start full scale production at the site from April 1 – three years to the day since Victory was officially launched.

He said: "There is an irony in the fact that we started trading when the country was in a recession and three years later, with the economy on the edge of a double dip, we are relocating with a view to expansion."

Mr Nevitt said he felt the firm's success had much to do with its ability to respond to customers' requirements.

He said: "Because of our size, we have been able to ask our customers what they want and then deliver.

"We can adapt when required and, because we are not a volume manufacturer, we can give the edge on quality and service. For example, we had always intended to develop into the lodge market, but that happened 18 months ahead of our plans after a customer asked us to build him one.

"That lodge ended up at the Scottish exhibition, and it just took off."

Mr Nevitt said he anticipated further growth, not just at the company but the industry as a whole.

He said:"We are placing ourselves to be in the right position so that when the market does come back, we will be in a new factory, in an ideal location, with the room to expand."

Rory Clarke, director of JR Rix And Sons, said they could not have found a better home for Victory – even if they'd had one specially constructed.

He said:"Victory Leisure Homes is a real success story.

"It was founded during the worst chapter in the caravan industry's history but thanks to excellent leadership from Peter and his team it has achieved the steady growth to become a recognised and trusted brand in this country and abroad.

"This move represents the evolution of the company and one that I am confident will lead to further, long lasting success."