Leighton Vans, a VW transporter customisation specialist, has bought an 11,800 sq ft company headquarters and showroom in Rotherham as part of expansion plans.
Sheffield law firm Wake Smith advised on the six-figure sum purchase of the former Bradken manufacturing unit at Dodds Close on behalf of Leighton Vans’ owner, enabling the company to double its workforce and triple its sales and production space.
A £1m funding package from NatWest and Lombard Finance helped Leighton Vans finance the new premises.
The automotive business, which has become a hit with the outdoor and lifestyle community nationwide, is the brainchild of Mike Leighton who spotted a gap in the market four years ago.
“Not only do we sell, rent and lease VW transporters but we create unique, high specification vans which can be colour coded, body styled, upgraded and modified to what our client requires,” said Leighton. “We really wanted to find premises that suited our business needs, and allowed for growth.”
Paul Gibbon, director at Wake Smith’s commercial property division, added: “The business model established by Mike works extremely well and he has developed a strong customer base across the country, tapping into the popularity of outdoor sports and people wanting to enjoy the countryside.”
Leighton Vans, a spin off from Leighton’s former used car business, supports professional mountain bikers including Sheffield’s Steve Peat, Scotland’s trial cyclist Danny Macaskill and World Cup circuit rider Brendan Fairclough.
NatWest relationship manager Aaron Carter said: “Leighton Vans is a dynamic and ambitious business. It has been really rewarding to work with the management team to progress their growth plans, which are helping to create new jobs locally.”
Rebecca Schofield, partner at Knight Frank, which marketed Dodds Close, added: “This industrial warehouse unit is in an established location and ideal for Leighton Vans’ expansion needs.
“It will allow them to have a much improved base with office, showroom, customer area and workshop – all under one roof.”