Leyland Trucks celebrates 130 years of British manufacturing
From steam-powered vehicles to battery electric trucks, Lancashire manufacturer marks 130 years of excellence.
Leyland Trucks is celebrating 130 years of British manufacturing, acknowledging a remarkable milestone for one of the UK's longest-standing commercial vehicle manufacturers and the country's only volume truck manufacturer.
From its beginnings as the Lancashire Steam Motor Company in 1896 to today's production of the latest generation of DAF battery electric vehicles (BEVs), Leyland Trucks has continually evolved to meet changing customer needs, technological advances and the demands of an ever-changing transport industry.
Operating from its 86-acre manufacturing facility in Leyland, Lancashire, the business now employs c.1,000 people and manufactures more than 15,000 trucks each year for customers across the UK and international markets. As part of global truck manufacturer PACCAR, the site continues to play a pivotal role in developing the future of commercial vehicle manufacturing.
Its 130-year history reflects a business that has continually reinvented itself. Having supported Britain's manufacturing effort through two World Wars – including producing almost 6,000 vehicles during the First World War – Leyland Trucks today is helping drive the transition to lower-emission transport through investment in BEV production, advanced manufacturing technologies and the next generation of engineering talent.
The business also continues to support the Armed Forces community, holding Gold status in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme and operating an internal Military Network that brings together veterans, reservists and cadets across the organisation.
Alongside investing in new technologies, Leyland Trucks continues to invest heavily in people. The company currently employs 77 apprentices and has trained more than 200 over the past decade, helping develop the engineers, technicians and manufacturing specialists who will shape the future of UK truck manufacturing.
That commitment to people is reflected in an average employee length of service of 14 years, with many families spanning multiple generations at the business.
One of them is Senior MPS Co-ordinator Mick Colclough, who has dedicated 44 years to Leyland Trucks.
"Leyland Trucks has been a huge part of my family's story," he said. "Two of my three sons have completed the apprenticeship scheme here, my wife worked in HR in the early 2000s and even my mum was the plant nurse back in the 1960s. It's a family connection we're all incredibly proud of.
"I joined as a Craft Apprentice in 1982 because I loved vehicles and enjoyed fixing and making things. Over the years I've worked across most departments, taken on new challenges and now help shape production decisions for the business.
"People don't stay with companies for this long unless it's somewhere special. It's the people, the opportunities, the variety and the sense of purpose that have kept me here. "It may be one company, but it’s been a journey through many different careers and opportunities. I genuinely couldn't imagine working anywhere else."
To commemorate the milestone, Leyland Trucks welcomed more than 4,500 employees, family members, suppliers and partners to its Lancashire headquarters for a Family Fun Day, celebrating not only the company's rich heritage but also the people who continue to shape its future.
Guests enjoyed vintage Leyland vehicle displays, live manufacturing demonstrations, stunt bike performances, climbing walls, archery, family entertainment and charity fundraising activities organised by the company's Helping Hand charity.
Phil Jones, MD of Leyland Trucks, said: "Reaching 130 years is an incredible achievement and one that very few manufacturers have the privilege of celebrating.
"What makes this milestone so special isn't simply our history – it's our ability to continually evolve. From steam-powered vehicles to today's battery electric trucks, we've never stood still. We've continued to innovate, invest in our people and adapt to meet the changing needs of our customers and our industry.
"The Family Fun Day was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate with our employees and their families who drive our success. We are incredible proud of the commitment, talent and passion shown by our colleagues, past and present.
"As we look to the future, we're continuing to invest in advanced manufacturing, zero-emission technologies and the next generation of skilled engineers, ensuring Leyland Trucks remains at the forefront of commercial vehicle manufacturing for decades to come."