Vehicle conversions and racking manufacturer Bott has announced plans for a new vehicle conversion centre in Exeter.
The move will expand its operational footprint in the UK, with the new facility, located on Oberon Road within the city’s Sowton Industrial Estate. It is intended to primarily serve customers across the South West region of the UK.
The development is part of a broader strategic plan to enhance the company's national reach, complementing its existing centres in Ashby de-la Zouch and Cumbernauld.
Bott has been a leading UK provider of fleet solutions for four decades and aims to create important localised employment opportunities with the opening of the new facility.
Nick Smith, CEO of Bott Ltd, said: “This is an exciting step in our strategic plan to widen our UK footprint, through a combination of our important exclusive partner network and own locations. This compliments our existing national fleet infrastructure in Ashby de-la Zouch and Cumbernauld, where we have been a leading UK provider of fleet solutions for 40 years.”
Smith added: "Growing our national footprint provides important coverage for our regional customers, enabling us to serve everyone from individual trade customers, through to regional & national fleets. This approach not only provides wider capacity in our network but also creates important localised employment opportunities.”
The plans follow Bott’s earlier acquisition of Exeter-based Van Guard Accessories.
As part of that deal, the related business Van Guard Full Fit, which specialised in ply line services, will form the foundation of the new operation.
The existing team, led by Regional General Manager Tim Cutler, will transition into the new premises over the coming months.
The company confirmed that the team, along with new colleagues, will undergo extensive training on the full range of Bott products and services to ensure a seamless transition and consistent quality of work.
The new centre is due to open in December 2025, upon the completion of all building and fit-out works.
