Coachman Caravans - News

Cause for optimism as Coachman Caravans enjoys most successful preview in 24 years

Jackie Shipley — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 15:04:47 +0000

Trade orders resulting from the show are more than 50 per cent higher than last year and Coachman says the enthusiastic response from dealers signals renewed confidence and optimism in the industry.

The trade show, held on July 13th and 14th, was attended by Coachman’s dealers from around the country and trade press, who came to view the brand-new 2011 season models.

At a time when the manufacturing industry has been suffering, Coachman has defied the economic climate, and, following extensive investment in both machinery and personnel, enjoyed the most successful year in the company’s 24-year history.

Coachman Managing Director Jim Hibbs says: “This was the most successful preview we’ve ever held, and that includes the boom years for the caravan industry. We’ve had more than 50 per cent more orders from the dealer network than we did following last year’s show, and the response from dealers was the most enthusiastic we’ve ever seen.

“Although the past few years have been very challenging for many in the caravan industry, we have seen strong sales across this period, with the 2010 season being our most successful yet. To build on this success, we have invested over £700,000 this year, purchasing our new aftercare unit, and buying new computer-controlled machinery. This will help us to continue to develop and deliver caravans of the highest quality and craftsmanship.

“We’re still cautious, and we’re not about to make sweeping predictions about the economy, but this show was the strongest signal yet for us that there is cause for optimism among the quality sector of the industry.”

For 2011, the Coachman VIP, Laser and Pastiche ranges have been updated with internal furnishing improvements, including a new easy to set up bed system. Coachman has also invested heavily in its popular Amara range, completely revamping it both inside and out to make it more appealing to the growing number of UK families opting to take their holiday closer to home.

Coachman Group conquer The Three Peaks

Jackie Shipley — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 13:15:56 +0000

The group of five completed the challenging walk in 11 and a half hours – half an hour under the traditional 12 hour benchmark set to make the route a challenge. In completing the walk, the team raised nearly £2500 for Macmillan nurses working at Castle Hill Hospital.

The Three Peaks takes in the summits of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough all in one circular route. The walk is 25 miles long and climbs around 5000ft in the course of the route. By completing the walk within the 12 hour time threshold, the Coachman team are entitled to join the “Three Peaks of Yorkshire Club”. Walkers are eligible for this honour if they book in using an old fashioned ‘clocking on’ machine when they start the walk at the Pen-y-ghent Café in Horton-in-Ribblesdale and clock out as they finish, thus proving their time.

Martin Winfield, a sales executive at Coachman, and one of the organisers of the trip, said:

“We’ve been training all winter for this walk and to finish within the 12 hour mark is just great. We’d all like to thank everyone who sponsored us – the money we’ve raised has made all the blisters and strained muscles of the last few months worthwhile!”

Jim Hibbs, Managing Director of Coachman, said:

“I’d like to say a big ‘well done’ to our intrepid team. £2500 is a fantastic amount to have raised – everyone here at Coachman are proud of their efforts.”

Coachman recognised at Recycling Awards

Jackie Shipley — Wed, 26 May 2010 15:24:12 +0000

Held at the Cardiff City Stadium last week, the Severnside Achievement in Recycling Awards identify and reward both organisations and individuals who have achieved, through working with Severnside, excellence in the area of sustainable recycling and waste management.

Coachman’s entry was based around the efforts the company has gone to in order to reduce the amount of waste it sends to landfill. Judges were impressed that in only a few years Coachman has completely overhauled its waste handling techniques, going from relying almost wholly on landfill to operating several recycling streams covering a number of materials.

Judges also commented that they were pleased with the way Coachman had demonstrated that better environmental performance does not have to compromise profit. In setting up its recycling program, Coachman has saved an estimated £37,500 in landfill costs – showing how a more environmentally friendly approach to business can lead to better financial and operational performance.

Mathew Prosser, Severnside's Commercial Director, said:

“Coachman’s entry really stood out for us, to the extent that it could have quite easily been shortlisted in the “Best Commitment to Change” category alongside the likes of Next and Marks and Spencer.

“Many SMEs still view better environmental performance as coming at a cost to the bottom line. Doubtless, even today, sometimes that can be the case, but Coachman has demonstrated that you can achieve a greener business model and not merely balance the books, but make large savings. Proving this is essential if we want to encourage more sustainable business practices, and in this respect, the judges thought Coachman stood out as a beacon for other SMEs to emulate.”

Patrick Cattle, Safety, Health and Environmental Supervisor at Coachman said:

“Our waste reduction programme has been a huge success, and to have it recognised by a national award is very satisfying. We’ve reduced landfill by roughly 40% over the last couple of years – a real achievement. This result has been a real team effort; without the support of our entire manufacturing team it would not have been possible. This is the most important advice I could give to any other business looking to develop greener ways of working – it is not something which can be imposed from the ‘top down’, but needs buy-in from your entire work force. Coachman is extremely lucky that our staff rose to the task so magnificently.”

Coachman MD named Vice Chairman of NCC

Jackie Shipley — Thu, 20 May 2010 07:47:47 +0000

Mr Hibbs was voted into the position by the NCC’s Board of Directors at the organisation’s 57th AGM held in April. He will act as an assistant to the new Chairman, Rod Tucker for two years until the next Chairman and Vice Chairman are elected.

The NCC is the trade association for the UK caravan industry, encompassing touring caravans, motorhomes, caravan holiday homes and park homes. The NCC represents some 800 member outlets, in manufacturing, park operations, distribution, retailing and in the provision of specialist supplies and services, within the UK caravan industry

Jim said:

“I’m delighted to have been voted in as the Vice Chairman of the NCC. The UK caravan industry employs a massive number of people across several sectors, meaning the NCC is one of the most influential trade bodies in the country. Unlike many trade bodies, the NCC also has a very proactive attitude to representing its industry, something I am looking forward to becoming more involved in.

“In these precarious economic times, it’s important our industry retains its strong voice and that our members’ interests are properly represented – something we are very keen to continue.”

Coachman Caravans was established in 1986 and continues to operate as one of the leading caravan manufacturers in the industry. The company employs 141 members of staff and strives to produce caravans of the highest quality whilst providing superior after sales service. Their range includes the Amara, Pastiche, VIP and Laser.

Coachman expand factory production space

Jackie Shipley — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 11:53:30 +0000

The four units are located adjacent to Coachman’s existing site on Sutton Fields Industrial Estate. Three of the units were already being used by Coachman’s unique, dedicated aftercare department, whilst the fourth was, until recently, occupied by a tenant. This has now become vacant and Coachman has been able to complete its expansion, meaning the company’s site now covers over 7 acres, with a factory floor space of just under 100,000 square feet.

During Season 2010 all weekly output records have been beaten and Coachman is cautiously optimistic about the future. In addition to the purchase of more factory floor space, the company has also invested more than £250,000 in new plant and machinery, which will increase efficiency and output.

Jim Hibbs, Managing Director of Coachman, said:

“We are committed to continually investing in the infrastructure of the company, as these latest investments show. Bringing this unit into our factory means we are now in an extremely strong position and able to up production to meet any future demand.

“Although our sales have remained strong during the downturn, we are always cautious about the future. Because of our investment over the past year or so, our facilities are now some of the most advanced in the country. Coupled with the availability of a highly skilled workforce in the Hull area, we believe we are excellently placed to take full advantage of the significant move to British holidays by our consumers resulting in caravan sales.”

Hull-based chartered surveyors, Garness Jones, marketed the property and assisted Coachman in the purchase in October. Dale Gooderham, Surveyor at Garness Jones comments:

“It’s extremely pleasing to see Coachman bring this unit into its main site, hopefully this is a clear sign that confidence is growing within the industry. At the time of the sale we had a great deal of interest in the property from investors all around the country, indicating that many people now view property as a good alternative investment to holding money in the bank.”