2 minute read - 17th April 2023
Caterham to open new manufacturing facility and HQ
Caterham is set to open a brand new manufacturing facility and headquarters later this year as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. Still located in Dartford, Kent, the new state-of-the-art building will be home to Caterham’s production, engineering, motorsport and commercial teams.
The multi-million pound investment from owners VT Holdings – one of Japan’s largest retailer groups – will see Caterham increase its production capacity by 50%, meaning around 750 units could be built annually.
The 54,000 sq ft facility is situated in a brand new nine-acre industrial park development called Dartford X. It is within close proximity to the existing factory, enabling the retention of its skilled workforce who are responsible for hand assembling all cars.
Caterham is to open a brand new manufacturing facility and headquarters later this year as it celebrates its 50th anniversary / Picture: Caterham
The new building will undergo a full fit-out in the coming months with completion anticipated towards the end of 2023. In the future, Caterham plans to offer a range of customer experiences at the site including factory tours, events and vehicle handovers.
Bob Laishley, CEO of Caterham, said: “It’s fitting that, in our 50th anniversary year, we can invest in new premises to facilitate our ambitions, for the future of the Seven and the brand as a whole. The site not only increases our production capacity but enables us to advance our manufacturing capabilities into a modern setting. It will be a fantastic new home for the brand, our employees and our customers past, present and future to visit.”
Caterham will retain its skilled workforce who are responsible for hand assembling all cars at its new facility / Picture: Caterham
Dartford X – a nine-acre development of industrial and warehouse units – is owned and managed by Railpen. Acquired in December 2019, Railpen have developed the site in partnership with property firm Wrenbridge.
Alastair Dawson, senior asset manager at Railpen, added: “Caterham is a British manufacturing, engineering and marketing success story with a longstanding connection to Dartford. We have worked closely with the brand in its search for a new home, with Dartford X meeting all of Caterham’s criteria to support the business’ continued growth over the coming years, while retaining local jobs and the vitality of its supply chain partners.”
The South East of England has been home to Caterham since it started building cars in 1973 in the town of Caterham, Surrey. In 1987, production moved to Kennet Road in Dartford where its cars have been assembled ever since.