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From import to in-house
How US inspired designs are transforming European caravan markets
Fifth Wheel Company emerged from recognizing the potential for a European market for caravan designs that had become popular in the US . After initially importing some models , it became clear that a better way to go would be to manufacture the tourers in the UK according to European standards and legislation . In 2002 the first European compliant fifth wheel caravan was produced . From there the business grew organically , incorporating new models including a traditional hitch caravan . As the company expanded , a caravan park was opened next door to better facilitate handover from sales and training . This grew to incorporate a restaurant and spa enabling customers coming to complete a purchase or service their vehicles to experience the highest level of service .
Gethin Whiteley , Technical Director of Fifth Wheel Company explains the evolution of the manufacturing processes . “ When we began there were two of us designing all the products . We sent the drawings to specialist manufacturers across Europe who produced the components . Over the twenty years we ’ ve been manufacturing we have gradually brought more processes in-house . Today , we produce about 80 percent of our
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