VW van specialist acquires new HQ

VW van customisation firm Leighton Vans has signed a £1m funding package to buy new 11,800 sq ft premises.

The showroom and offices in Rotherham have been acquired as part of expansion plans for an undisclosed six-figure sum.

The move enables the company to double its workforce and triple its sales and production space.

It was a former Bradken manufacturing unit on Dodds Close.

Leighton Vans currently operates from Wharncliffe Industrial Estate in Deepcar.

The four year old company was a spinoff from managing director Mike Leighton’s former used car business. It turns over £1m and has customers nationwide.

Mike Leighton, managing director, said: “Not only do we sell, rent and lease VW transporters but we create unique, high specification vans which can be colour coded, body styled, upgraded and modified to what our client requires. We really wanted to find premises that suited our business needs, and allowed for growth.

“I’ve always had a vision to move to a site which would be a drive-to destination for our customers. I wanted a space to display about 50 vehicles, offer merchandise and have an informal customer area.

“We are looking forward to our move shortly, once we have completed our refurbishment programme.”

The funding package was provided by Natwest and Lombard Finance, with Sheffield solicitors Wake Smith advising on the purchase.

Paul Gibbon, director at Wake Smith’s commercial property division, said: “We were really pleased to be able to arrange the purchase requirements for Leighton Vans expansion.

“The business model established by Mike works extremely well and he has developed a strong customer base across the country, tapping into the popularity of outdoor sports and people wanting to enjoy the countryside.”

NatWest Relationship Manager, Aaron Carter said: “Leighton Vans is a dynamic and ambitious business. It has been really rewarding to work with the management team to progress their growth plans, which are helping to create new jobs locally.”

Rebecca Schofield, partner at Knight Frank, which marketed Dodds Close, added: “This industrial warehouse unit is in an established location and ideal for Leighton Vans’ expansion needs. It will allow them to have a much improved base with office, showroom, customer area and workshop – all under one roof.

“This unit was one of a few freeholds available and we had good levels of interest because of the quality.

“We wish them every success in their new home.”