British sports car manufacturer Caterham Cars has opened a brand new factory in Dartford, Kent.
Having moved from its original home town of Caterham in Surrey, the marque’s new 54,000 square-foot facility brings together assembly, engineering and motorsport under one roof.
It also gives the famous Caterham Seven (née Lotus Seven) a new home – and offers the potential for a 50 percent increase in production numbers.
Hand-built sports cars
Caterham first moved to Dartford in 1987, but fresh investment by VT Holdings – previously the Japanese importer for Caterham Cars – has established the new facility in Dartford X business park.
The Caterham factory underwent nine months of preparation to allow for efficient car production, while staying in Dartford enabled the company to retain its skilled workforce.
There are 33 individual assembly bays, where each Caterham Seven is put together by a dedicated technician. Paint booths, an engine shop and a parts warehouse are all on-site, too.
A new chapter for Caterham
The opening of the new facility follows the 50th anniversary of Caterham Cars in 2023.
CEO Bob Laishley said: “Moving into our new global headquarters is a significant moment in our brand’s history and will be transformational for the business and the future of the Seven.
“Caterham fans and customers will also be able to see first-hand where our cars are assembled. It’s a hugely impressive modern facility and I have no doubt they’ll be blown away by it. I certainly am and I know our staff are thrilled to be operating in such a world-class facility.”
Enthusiasts can now book tours of the factory: a 2.5-hour experience that demonstrates how a bare chassis progresses to become a completed Caterham Seven.
Priced at £30 per person, demand for the factory tours has already proved strong – with the first four dates now sold out.
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Great – When are they going to mass-produce (if that the phrase) an electric version?