Funding helps caravan company drive ahead expansion

MANUFACTURING: A Hull-based caravan manufacturer is driving ahead with plans to expand further into the UK market after securing funding from Barclays.

Normandy Caravans Ltd, in Bontoft Avenu, secured an undisclosed amount of funding from Barclays Corporate to support their continued growth in the UK market. The firm was founded in Hull in 1981 and has predominantly supplied the export market, mostly dealing with customers in Belgium and Holland.

However, following a change of ownership in 2003, a new strategic plan to have a greater presence in the UK market was unveiled, and the company expanded from 8000 sq ft to the current 29,000 sq ft, trebling the work force. The company now employs over 40 staff.

Managing director Gary Cooper said the funding would allow Normandy to continue its strategic growth plan to develop new products "far beyond the traditional single unit".

He said: "The company has quickly progressed into twin unit leisure lodges and park homes producing what we feel are the most complete twin unit leisure and residential park homes in the UK and at a competitive price."

Dan Wilson, Barclays relationship director in the region, said: "This was an opportunity for us to support a business that is bucking the trend in the current economic climate."