Atlas Leisure Homes buys back caravan factory
The 2008 recession, it is safe to say, took no prisoners. A number of industries were affected by the knock-on effect the dip in the economy inevitably presented – and the leisure industry was certainly one of these.
Struck by the recession, Atlas Holiday Homes collapsed in December of 2008. 340 jobs were lost and unit sales dramatically plummeted from 32,000 to 20,000. Atlas Leisure Homes then started renting the factory that was passed onto administrator BDO.
Shortly afterwards, however, the company was revived as Atlas Leisure Homes with its sights set on ‘eventual recovery’. And the revival has finally come to fruition with the announcement that
Atlas Leisure Homes has now bought the premises back for an undisclosed six-figure sum and is investing £200,000 into new equipment and systems.
Commercial director, Andrew Innes, knows this is a huge step forward for everyone after difficult times. “It’s a significant milestone, but it’s also a great weight off our minds.
“From an employee’s point of view, it gives them confidence the business is moving forward.”
Buying out BDO means the site is no longer at risk of being sold to another occupier – an aim Atlas has worked to achieve since the revival of the company.
Further major investments are currently planned to match the output of increasing demands. Almost £200,000 is being used to improve machinery and factory efficiency. Atlas is now centring their efforts on sustaining the company with quality stock.
“What we’re focused on is providing good-quality products and service to ensure the customers come back year after year. It’s about sustainability rather than chasing growth” continued Innes.
Currently, 1,250 caravans are being produced which is more than double the number of caravan production in its first year after the recovery.
“We’ve grown every single year from the very first year. There will be growth this year, there’s no doubt.” says Innes.
With signs like this indicating that we are truly out of the doldrums, it seems pretty evident that the leisure industry remains vigilant in times of financial hardship and that the pastime of getting out and about in our beloved homes on wheels looks set to continue for a very long time to come.
