A family-run caravan company has bought a renowned former dealership that closed when Discover Leisure went into administration.
Now, Kimberley Caravans & Motorhomes are hoping to return the dealership at Burtree Gate in Darlington to its former glory when it had 100 members of staff, the Northern Echo reported.
The amount paid by Kimberley to acquire the old Barrons site from administrators remains undisclosed, but it marks the first expansion to a new site for the Nottingham-based company.
Run by father and son team Michael and Chris Lowe, Kimberley Caravans & Motorhomes was founded in 1970s and has an annual turnover of some £5 million from their current dealership, which is situated close to the M1.
With contracts exchanged before Christmas, they plan to reopen the site in February with the deal to buy the site expected to be tied up next week.
Chris Lowe, managing director of Kimberley, said the company has been looking to expand for a couple of years and the former Discover Leisure offered the perfect opportunity.
“We were aware of its history,” he told the newspaper.
“Before it was Discover Leisure it was Barrons and when it was Barrons it had a brilliant reputation and it was very busy.
“We are looking to recover that atmosphere and level of customer service.”
At the time that Discover Leisure went into administration around 60 people were employed at the site, and Mr Lowe believes that his company can easily surpass that level.
When it reopens next month just 25 people will be employed but once the business establishes itself they will be looking to expand that number rapidly.
“In terms of looking after customers you need more staff rather than fewer staff,” Mr Lowe said.
Last month it was revealed by the administrators acting on behalf of Discover Leisure that the dealership had amassed debts of around £35 million when it was forced to wind up.
