The caravan maker, owned by European giant Erwin Hymer Group, says shifting consumer demand and a changing market have forced its hand, but workers and local officials are counting the cost.
Elddis, one of Britain's most recognisable leisure vehicle brands, has confirmed the end of UK manufacturing across its entire range. Motorhomes are being built at EHG Plant Isny in Germany, campervans at EHG Plant Nowa Sól in Poland, and, following a review that concluded in spring 2026, caravan production is also moving to Plant Isny.
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Update June 2026: The caravan production decision has now been confirmed. Read our full follow-up here. |
Photo: Elddis & Buccaneer / Instagram
Parent company Erwin Hymer Group UK made the announcement on Tuesday 3rd March, describing the proposals as part of a broader 'Elddis. Unlimited.' strategy responding to structural shifts in the UK leisure vehicle market. The company was careful to stress that the plans remain proposals at this stage, and that formal consultations are ongoing.
The announcement represents the most significant restructuring the business has undertaken since a 2024 reorganisation that resulted in around 190 job losses, and with hundreds of roles now potentially in the balance, it is being watched closely by workers, local officials, and the wider industry alike.
'THE MARKET HAS CHANGED'
Chris Short, managing director of EHG UK, sought to frame the decision in forward-looking terms. He said the transition would give Elddis unrestricted access to EHG's high-performance production network, accelerating time-to-market and allowing the brand to offer UK customers higher-quality motorised vehicles at competitive prices.
Photo: Elddis & Buccaneer / Instagram
A company spokesperson added that dealers could expect to receive "high quality motorised vehicles specified and designed by Elddis, tailored to the needs of UK customers", a signal that the brand intends to retain its British identity even as manufacturing moves abroad.
Short was also at pains to stress that no final employment decisions had been reached. The company has indicated that redeployment opportunities within the wider EHG business would be offered to affected staff wherever possible, and said its ultimate priority throughout the process was its employees, dealers, and customers.
CONSETT COUNTS THE COST
For Consett, a town whose industrial identity has been reshaped more than once by large-scale closures, the news has struck a familiar and unwelcome chord. Councillor Darren Grimes, Deputy Leader of Durham County Council, described the announcement as a "real blow for the town," and said the council was disappointed to learn of the decision.
The Elddis plant has been a significant local employer for generations. With caravan production now also confirmed to be leaving, the scale of that loss has become fully apparent.
UPDATE: THE CARAVAN DECISION IS CONFIRMED
When the 'Elddis. Unlimited.' strategy was announced in March, the fate of caravan manufacturing was the one outstanding question. That has now been answered.
Elddis has confirmed that its next generation of caravans will be manufactured at Plant Isny in Germany. The caravans will still be conceived and directed from Consett. The UK team retains responsibility for brand strategy, product direction, design, sales, marketing, customer service, technical support, and aftersales. All Elddis-branded caravans will be NCC approved. In short: German-built, British-specified.
Not every name in the Elddis stable is making that journey, however. Both the Xplore and Buccaneer caravan ranges are being discontinued as part of this transition. Xplore had built a loyal following as an accessible, value-focused entry point for first-time buyers. Buccaneer sat at the opposite end of the market, a premium brand with a reputation for high specification and quality finish. Their discontinuation narrows the choice available to UK buyers at both ends of the spectrum.
The first look at the new range is expected at a private dealer event in spring 2027, with a full public launch planned for the October 2027 NEC Show.
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Read our full analysis: The Impact of Elddis Moving Caravan Production to Germany: A Closer Look |
"ELDDIS. UNLIMITED." A NEW CHAPTER, MADE IN EUROPE
On 4th March, the company followed up with a direct communication to customers outlining its forward-looking strategy, branded “Elddis. Unlimited.” The strategy is built around five pillars: unlimited capability through EHG’s production network, unlimited innovation via deeper integration of group technologies, unlimited product performance guided by a long-term roadmap, unlimited freedom for customers, and unlimited potential for the brand and its UK dealer network.
Under the new structure, motorhomes will be produced at EHG Plant Isny, Germany, one of Europe’s most experienced motorhome manufacturing locations, while campervans will be built at EHG Plant Nowa Sól, Poland, building on the success of the Whirlwind GTV. Both ranges will continue to be specified and designed by Elddis.
The message confirmed the European production shift and pointed to a portfolio refresh due to launch from August 2026. New model year 27 products will be previewed at an Elddis Experience event in June, ahead of a public debut at the NEC Motorhome & Caravan Show later in the year.
The company was emphatic that existing customer commitments would not be affected:
- All current warranties and aftersales terms remain in place
- The UK dealer network will continue operating as normal
- A new Elddis Experience Centre in Consett will serve as the brand’s hub for service, warranty, technical operations, events, training, and dealer engagement
- The Consett operation will retain leadership, R&D, design, product management, marketing, sales, and customer support functions
- A UK-based customer support team will remain in place
A WIDER INDUSTRY RECKONING
The Elddis situation is, in many respects, a case study in the pressures bearing down on traditional British leisure vehicle manufacturers. Squeezed between shifting consumer preferences, the financial muscle of pan-European production groups, and a post-pandemic market correction, domestic makers are being forced into difficult decisions about where, and whether, to build at home.
Elddis is not alone. Earlier this year, Bürstner announced it would stop caravan production entirely from the 2027 season. Elddis has taken a different route, keeping the caravan brand alive while rethinking how and where it's made. Whether UK buyers will embrace a caravan badged Elddis but built in Bavaria remains an open question. Brand loyalty runs deep in caravanning, and the Consett connection has always been part of the story.
The 2027 NEC Show will be a telling moment.
FROM TCC SERVICESPART OF THE UK LEISURE VEHICLE COMMUNITY FOR OVER 40 YEARSWe've been following the Elddis story closely since the initial announcement, and will continue to do so. Whatever changes lie ahead for the industry, TCC Services remains committed to supporting Elddis owners, from routine servicing and repairs, to accessories and upgrades. If you have questions about your vehicle, our team is always happy to help. Get in touch. |
