by Tom Leaning
The Erwin Hymer Group, Europe’s largest manufacturer of motorhomes and caravans, have agreed to acquire 100 per cent of the shares of The Explorer Group Ltd., a leading UK manufacturer of caravans and motorhomes, including all of its subsidiaries.
The Explorer Group Ltd will now be known as Erwin Hymer Group UK Ltd., and its new Managing Director will be Robert Quine, formerly the Managing Director of The Explorer Group Ltd.
The Explorer Group has been present in the UK market since 1964 and has registered offices in Consett, near Newcastle in the north of England. The company has 400 employees and is predominantly active in the UK. With the Buccaneer, Compass, Elddis, and Xplore brands, the company has been able to steadily increase its share of the UK market in recent years. With a motorhome market share of 11 per cent and a touring caravan market share of 17 per cent, The Explorer Group is one of the three leading manufacturers in the UK.
Robert Quine said: “Since 2012, our SoLiD construction method has revolutionised the production process and resulted in a product that is stronger, lighter, and free from water ingress.”
“Explorer has now invested over eight years into the development of SoLiD. This makes us the only provider of fully structurally bonded caravans and motorhomes in the UK.” The successful launch of SoLiD has resulted in the sales volumes doubling in the past eight years.
Camping marketing activities of all EHG brands in the UK will be brought together under the umbrella of the Erwin Hymer Group UK Ltd.
The Erwin Hymer Group is already represented in the United Kingdom today by the Bürstner, Carado, Dethleffs, Eriba, Hymer, Laika, Niesmann+Bischoff, and Sunlight brands. The new Erwin Hymer Group UK Ltd. provides an ideal starting point to strengthen and further expand market presence with a local manufacturing base.
Martin Brandt, CEO of Erwin Hymer Group AG & Co.KG. said: “By acquiring The Explorer Group Ltd., we are strengthening our involvement in the UK. As the leading European manufacturer, we see strategic opportunities in the second largest European caravanning market.”
“Our aim is to further expand our strong position in Europe and to become a global supplier of high-quality motorhomes and caravans.”
“We’re all really looking forward to becoming part of the Erwin Hymer Group,” added Mr Quine. “It is fantastic that a successful organisation like the Erwin Hymer Group is investing in our future. As a new member of the Erwin Hymer Group, we will have access to unique know-how and expertise. We will exploit this strategic opportunity to create permanent added value for our customers.”
