200 jobs take a step closer as £5m HQ building nears completion

Some 200 jobs have taken a step closer after work to transform a 28-acre site in Lincolnshire into a into a new £5m headquarters for one of the UK’s biggest commercial vehicle body and trailer manufacturers.

Cartwright Conversions, which is a subsidiary of the Cartwright Group, agreed a deal with PPH Commercial to buy the former Belton Brickworks site back in September 2018.

Now the first phase of the exciting makeover is beginning to take shape after investing thousands to modernise the entire building – including the canteen, offices and workshop facilities.

Work is progressing so quickly that Cartwright Conversions, which produces specialised vehicles like ambulances and security vans, has set a June deadline to move its operations to the site from their current base in Hatfield, Doncaster.

Managing director Steve Shaw said: “We’re delighted with the progress we’ve made in such a relatively short space of time. We’ve re-clad and modernised the whole place, we will create new entrances and refurbish the inside to make it feel modern and fresh.

“We’ve been working very closely with North East Lincolnshire Council, who have been very helpful, and we’re thrilled to have successfully secured planning permission to redevelop the site and create a new purpose-built building.

“It’s a fantastic location but the building was in desperate need of some love and attention. This has now begun and we’re confident the superb setting and location will bring our business many advantages.

“Hopefully, things will keep moving along nicely and we’ll be able to relocate in June. Our attention will then turn to phase two and building the new premises, which we will allow us to use this wonderful site to its full potential.”

Established in 1952, Cartwright Group has enjoyed rapid growth in recent years with turnover increasing from £89m to a predicted £170m for 2018/19.