Commercial vehicle firm to launch new North East dealership in £20m investment drive

Commercial vehicles specialist MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd has begun work on a new dealership in Gateshead as part of a £20m investment programme.

Construction has begun on a 3.3 acre site in Team Valley, where the firm’s new purpose-built facility, developed by property management company UK Land Estates, will support and maintain its full vehicle range.

The construction of the dealership is part of a wider £20m investment programme across the MAN Truck and Bus UK network.

Mitch Barnes, network business development manager at MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd, explained: “MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd have operated a dealership in Gateshead since 1996, some 23 years, and throughout this time we’ve both sold vehicles to and supported our customers from our existing facility in Earlsway.

“However as our business footprint has grown across both the Tyne Valley and the surrounding area, so has our requirement for a larger site.

“This investment shows our long-term commitment to the North East and our strong customer base in the area. The new facility will allow us to grow further across the North East and we’re excited to have this opportunity.

Tim Witty, development director at UK Land Estates, added: “MAN has been in Team Valley for more than 23 years, but continuous business growth meant they have simply outgrown their existing premises.

“The company is, however, committed to its Gateshead location and came to us with specific needs for the new facility and thanks to our large portfolio of development land we were able to quickly provide a solution.

“This is a fantastic investment by an international company in the North East, and a real vote of confidence in the region.”