The Atlas caravans name is set to be brought back after Hull's Rix Group bought the intellectual property of its now defunct maker.
Atlas Leisure Homes collapsed into administration earlier this year with the loss of about 180 jobs, and leaving behind estimated debts of more than £6.8m. It had traded since 1973 but hit difficulties after expanding amid Covid-driven demand before experience a slump in demand to below pre-pandemic levels, once restrictions had lifted.
Restructuring experts had sought fresh investment for the manufacturer which had become a household name in the leisure industry. But no deal could be done, and administrators were called in to the Hull firm in March.
Now family-run group Rix has stepped in to buy Atlas' intellectual property and some plant and machinery in and undisclosed deal - promising to reinvigorate the brand. Atlas' model designs and names will now sit alongside Rix's holiday home and lodge manufacturing businesses which include Hull-based Victory Leisure Homes and Northamptonshire-based luxury brand Prestige.
James Doyle, managing director of the Rix Group, said: “Atlas Leisure Homes was a real Hull success story, building up significant market share in the national holiday home sector over 52 years of trading. The brand has a huge number of faithful followers, many of whom are intergenerational, choosing Atlas due to the fond memories they have of holidaying in an Atlas leisure home with their parents or grandparents.
"Because of this, we wanted to bring the brand back to life and align the quality to that or our other brands – Victory Leisure Homes and Prestige. We feel by reinvigorating the Atlas brand it will sit perfectly alongside our existing holiday home and lodge portfolio, offering the market the widest choice of products available from a single manufacturer.”
Mr Doyle said the addition of Atlas would help Rix Group do more among the Ƶ leisure home dealer network. He added: "We’ve already had very positive discussions with dealers who are excited about the return of Atlas. It is a brand that is very familiar to their customers and as such, is in demand.
"Combine this with the design innovation and quality Victory Leisure Homes and Prestige are known for, and we believe we will be able to capture significant market share thanks to this strategic acquisition. We’re delighted to have secured the Atlas name and we’re looking forward to showing the market what the future looks like for this long-established brand.”
