Trucksmith, the Devon-based Luton van conversion company, has opened a new £1.5m extension to its factory.

The company, an official partner for marques including Renault, Vauxhall and Fiat. Now celebrating its 30th year of production, the firm has expanded its production facility to more than 64,000 sq ft to cope with the demand for its vehicles.

The new facilities will accommodate the production of up to 25 low-floored Luton vans per week and allow Trucksmith to invest further in research and development into manufacturing technologies which has been central to the success of the business.

“Early on the company identified problems associated with payload in traditional Luton vans. We have developed new techniques to ensure all Trucksmith products provided outstanding payload for this class of low-loading vehicles”, said managing director Daniel Trebble.

“We continually invest in equipment and people so we can provide the highest quality services, and we support a range of industries by providing solutions to common delivery and loading challenges,” Daniel said.

“Our team has grown by 33% to just under 100 employees in the past year. We have successfully trained and retrained individuals to work across our business, from product design to carpentry to engineering to drivers.”

Trebble welcomed Honiton MP Neil Parish to the factory and introduced him to staff after a guided tour of the new facilities.

Parish said: “It is fantastic to celebrate such a huge regional success story with this family-run business now at the forefront of its sector. The business has built a national reputation for designing and building premium commercial vehicle bodies and should be applauded for its success.

“Trucksmith is a company of which Devon can be very proud.”

He added: “I am pleased that manufacturing skills are flourishing here in Devon. By taking on trainees – something which I strongly support – Trucksmith is investing in the next generation to continue their proud heritage.”

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