Railpen, one of the largest pension managers in the UK, has announced the signing of Caterham Cars, the British manufacturer of specialist lightweight sports cars, at Dartford X, its market-leading industrial park in Dartford. Caterham Cars has acquired Unit D which is 54,000 sq ft, consolidating three existing sites in and around Dartford into the new space.
Caterham, which celebrates its 50th anniversary later this year, manufactures the legendary Caterham 7 in Dartford, offering fully built cars and kits for self-assembly. Its new Dartford X home will allow Caterham to increase efficiencies by bringing its current separate facilities together, while also supporting the company’s sustainability ambitions due to the building’s outstanding green credentials.
Dartford X covers nine-acres and was acquired by Railpen in December 2019. Railpen, in conjunction with its development partner Wrenbridge, has delivered five new Grade A warehouse units ranging in size from 13,000 sq ft to 75,000 sq ft. The new warehouses all have excellent sustainability credentials achieving EPC A and a BREEAM Excellent rating.
Alastair Dawson, Senior Asset Manager at Railpen, said: “Caterham 7 is a British manufacturing, engineering and marketing success story with a longstanding connection to Dartford. We have worked closely with the brand in their search for a new home, with Dartford X meeting all of Caterham’s criteria to support the business’ continued growth over the coming years while retaining local jobs and the vitality of its supply chain partners. The letting is also another significant milestone for Dartford X, one that reflects its sustainability credentials, the quality and flexibility of the space, and its prime strategic location.”
Bob Laishley, CEO of Caterham Cars, added: “As we look to the future of Caterham, modern, sustainable manufacturing facilities are key, which is why Dartford X is our ideal new home. The facilities allow us to consolidate all our production, which will increase efficiencies while also being able to offer an even better service to our customers, with manufacturing, parts and aftersales brought together for the first time in a single hub. As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the creation of Caterham Cars, our new home is a very positive message to send to customers, staff and suppliers.”
Dartford X is owned and managed by Railpen, the investment manager for the Railways Pension Schemes, and developed in partnership with Wrenbridge.
Cushman & Wakefield, CBRE and Glenny represented Railpen and Wrenbridge. Vail Williams acted for Caterham Cars.
