3 minute read - 6th June 2024
Caterham opens new Dartford factory
Caterham has moved into its new factory in Dartford, following a multi-million pound investment from owners VT Holdings – one of Japan’s largest retailer groups.
The new state-of-the-art building will now be home to Caterham’s production, engineering, motorsport and commercial teams and will allow production capacity to increase by 50%, to 750 units annually.
The 54,000 sq ft facility is situated in a new nine-acre industrial park development called Dartford X. It is within close proximity to the existing factory, enabling the retention of the skilled workforce who are responsible for hand assembling all cars.
Following a nine-month fit out, the new building features the latest paint booths, an engine shop, a parts warehouse and 33 individual bays, where each car builder is responsible for the complete build of a Seven. The additional floor space and layout will enable the business to operate in a more streamlined and efficient manner.
Caterham has opened its new factory in Dartford – after a multi-million pound investment. The new state-of-the-art building will be home to Caterham’s production, engineering, motorsport and commercial teams / Picture: Caterham
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From today, Caterham enthusiasts can book a factory tour of the new facility. The brand also plans to offer a range of other customer experiences including events and vehicle handovers.
Mr Kazuho Takahashi, CEO of VT Holdings, said: “We are thrilled to announce the start of operations at the new Caterham factory. This modern facility exemplifies VT Holdings’ unwavering dedication and support for the iconic British sports car brand, Caterham. From this new location, we will continue to take pride in delivering increasingly high-quality vehicles to our customers worldwide.”
Bob Laishley, CEO of Caterham, added: “Moving into our new global headquarters is a significant moment in our brand’s history and will be transformational for the business and the future of the Seven. Not only will we be able to increase our production capacity by 50%, but for the first time in our 50-year history the production, engineering, motorsport, and commercial teams will all be housed under one roof. It will make us a more efficient, streamlined business. Caterham fans and customers will also be able to see first-hand where our cars are assembled. It’s a hugely impressive modern facility and I have no doubt they’ll be blown away by it. I certainly am and I know our staff are thrilled to be operating in such a world-class facility.”
The investment will see Caterham increase production capacity by 50%, to 750 units annually / Picture: Caterham
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 had been assembled up until 2024. Following the 50th anniversary of the brand last year, Caterham now enters a new chapter in the company’s history in the new global headquarters.
