The new factory will see its production capacity increase to nearly 1,500 vehicles per year, ensuring that the UK’s emergency service vehicles will have a consistent supply from the country’s largest dedicated manufacturing facility.
Starting with just five staff members in 2009, VCS will see its workforce increase to more than 150 with the new facility opening this year. With an intent to recruit from the local community, a dedicated training academy will be opening at the new site, providing an opportunity for those without emergency services sector experience.
VCS will have a new dedicated R&D facility enabling the firm to double its engineering capability, building upon the company’s reputation for creating the lightest vehicle conversions available – in turn aiding fuel efficiency and reducing emissions – without compromising on vehicle quality and reliability.
This investment follows a period of exceptional growth for VCS, which posted a 30% increase in turnover over two years. The company currently sits in first place on the NHS framework for ambulance convertors, while it also plans to target new international markets in the coming years.
Mark Kerrigan, managing director of VCS, said “this is an extremely exciting milestone in VCS’s history, demonstrating our continued position as market leaders in the emergency services sector. The company continues to exceed expectations not only what VCS can do as a business but our ability to deliver high-quality, low-emissions, advanced emergency vehicles.
“Having been based in the Bradford region since our inception, we know the local people are extremely hard-working, skilled and wonderfully resourceful. We want to reward this industrious and inventive community with more opportunities for jobs, learning new skills and sharing in the company’s prosperity. Our new facility not only does this but ensures the country’s continued supply of world-class emergency vehicles.”
