A SOUTHAMPTON-based manufacturing firm specialising in vehicle conversion, VFS is expanding with new trading premises in South Kirkby, West Yorkshire, thanks to funding worth over £1.5 million from NatWest.

The investment will allow the business, winners of ‘What Van’ Converter of the Year in 2016, to hire new employees, increase productivity, and build on its strong reputation for customer service.

VFS Ltd currently employs 60 highly skilled employees, but this will increase to over 100 in the next three to five years as the business expands.

Growing year on year since 1995, VFS prides itself on being a fully accredited service which directly supplies major brands such as Ford – one of its first seven Qualified Vehicle Modifiers – Mercedes and Vauxhall. VFS also shares designs and manufacture with Scattolini SpA in Italy and Cabreta in France.

VFS managing director John Hanlon explained: “A modern, fully equipped premises that utilises state-of-the-art technologies to meet both our needs and those of our customers is vital for the business. NatWest’s funding will allow us to do this, while increasing output and improving the working environment for employees.

The new premises is ideally situated to serve our Northern and Midlands based customers, helping us to provide further access to our high quality products and services.”

NatWest relationship manager Martin Ford said: “VFS is an important business and employer in Southampton that prioritises quality and innovation.

“We are proud to be part of its growth and look forward to seeing the business continuing to develop and boosting the local economy.”