Caterham announces new factory in Dartford
Exciting times ahead as Caterham finds a facility better suited to its ambitions for growth
Tremendous news emanating from Dartford this morning: Caterham, in its fiftieth year, has announced that it will open a brand new factory and headquarters in 2023 that will see all its operations come under one roof. Described as a ‘state of the art building’, the 54,000 sq ft facility will incorporate production, engineering and even motorsport alongside its commercial teams, and ought to be up and running before the end of the year.
Anyone lucky enough to visit Caterham’s current premises will know that the move is a long time coming. Though it has pluckily made the best of it, the firm outgrew the old factory years ago, and - on the basis that the new site is said to be in ‘close proximity’ to the old venue - you’d imagine the move has been welcomed by its employees. Certainly, it will have been among its new owner’s top priorities: the transition to more space will mean production capacity can increase by as much as 50 per cent.
“It’s fitting that, in our 50th anniversary year, we can invest in new premises to facilitate our ambitions, for the future of the Seven and the brand as a whole,” said Bob Laishley, Caterham CEO. “The site not only increases our production capacity but enables us to advance our manufacturing capabilities into a modern setting. It will be a fantastic new home for the brand, our employees and our customers past, present and future to visit.”
The box-fresh facility is situated on a new industrial park called Dartford X, and will undergo a full fit-out in the coming months. As you might expect, the move represents a multi-million pound investment by its owners, VT Holdings, and in time will allow Caterham to potentially build 750 units a year. Additionally, the manufacturer says it will look to offer a range of customer experiences at the site, including factory tours, events and vehicle handovers. Sunday Service, anyone?
I worked at the factory one summer as a student delivering cars to the sales office.
The factory was well past it's best then and that was the '90s.
The old Sales Office did have character but Caterham outgrew the space and needed to expand.
Great to see Caterham Cars go from strength to strength.
Factory
Old Sales Office in Caterham
New Sales Office in Crawley
I'd be curious to know the average Caterham buyer's age, too. Once the old farts who remember Lotus Sevens die off, will anyone actually buy Caterhams?
I'd be curious to know the average Caterham buyer's age, too. Once the old farts who remember Lotus Sevens die off, will anyone actually buy Caterhams?
Secondly..look and learn: https://www.caterhamcars.com/en/motorsport/academy
I bought my 7 at 27 - 10 years ago. I did go to a couple of L7C club meets but did find most people were at least twice my age.
It's a different story at trackdays where you see all ages in 7's.
I don't think the Lotus 7 name is a factor in a Caterham purchase. Having room/money for a second car and the time to use it is more important.
ds for this new building.10 million quid. Just sign here.
You wanted a roof? OK that's another 500k.
No window frames unless you want to pay extra?
Central heating? Sure +500k
That's NOT including exterior, or indeed, interior paint.
Stairs or a lift? Ahem...
Not sure how much parking space there would be judging by google maps though...Just had a rough tally up of the visible parking spaces and I reckon you could squeeze 80-100 cars in making use of all the available space
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