GM Coachwork has opened a new 67,000 sq ft factory in Heathfield, near Newton Abbot. The multi-million-pound facility has come about thanks to strong demand for GM’s products, which include accessible minibuses. It will also shorten lead times, the company says.
In addition to bespoke minibuses, GM Coachwork converts campervans and other wheelchair accessible vehicles. The opening of the new facility was attended by guests including Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders CEO Mike Hawes.
Says GM Coachwork Managing Director Graham Vooght: “This is a huge occasion in our history and a landmark moment. From where we started all those years ago to being able to open a factory of this size is testament to the hard work of everyone who works for, or who has worked form, GM over the years.
“This new unit, along with our R&D facility, will help us to develop the next generation of vehicles for our customers going forward.”
GM was founded in 1988. Among its foremost products is the Minibus Lite, which it says teachers can drive on a Category B licence and has “since grown to become a market leader.” Other innovations in the minibus market include the GM step – a fold-away solution for side-access minibuses – and front entrance conversions on a range of platforms to meet demand from PSV operators.
