The UK arm of caravan and motorhome manufacturer Erwin Hymer has revealed that it is operating at a loss due to component supply problems.
New accounts for the County Durham-based firm show it swung to an operating loss of £4.55m in the year to the end of July 2022, from an operating profit of £2.4m the year previously.
The impact of Covid on supply chains, including disruption to the number of motorhome and campervan chassis available, were said to have limited sales.
Turnover fell over the period to £95.2m from £101.8m the year before, with the majority generated in the UK and smaller sums of £825,470 and £434,604 coming from Europe and the rest of the world respectively.
The Consett operation – which makes the Elddis, Compass, Xplore and Buccaneer brands – increased staff levels during the year, recruiting 34 employees to make a team of 536.
Related: Volkswagen to supply Crafter vans to Erwin Hymer Group
Despite the challenges, bosses said the firm managed to continue product development activity and introduce new models for the 2023 financial year.
Writing in the accounts, managing director Chris Short said: “Business activities continue to be restricted due to on-going restrictions in component shortages specifically in semi conductor supply to the automotive sector which limited motorhome and campervan trading.
“In addition to this the business has seen disruptions to chassis supply for motorhome and campervan production.
“Despite this, demand for the company’s product continues to be strong, reinforced by on-going product development and new model introductions.
Related: Major overhaul announced for 2023 Hymer campervans
“The business continues with a strong order book under-pinned by good market demand for its products.”
Erwin Hymer Group UK Ltd is part of the Germany-based Erwin Hymer Group SE, which encompasses 20 brands spanning entry level to luxury models, from tent trailers to smart campers.
Its parent company is Indiana-based RV giant Thor Industries, which also owns brands such as Airstream and Starcraft.
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