Our History
1970s
Atlas was just starting out during the economic turmoil of the 1970s, amid a period of high inflation, oil prices, and strike action.
Despite these factors, a new player entered the static caravan market and made their mark.
1973
In the beginning...
On April 2nd 1973 the Atlas Caravan Company was formed by Graham Sparks (ex-Astral Caravans) and Ian Hunter (ex-Belmont Caravans).
In 1975 Atlas were admitted membership to the NCC.
1975
Exporting
The fledgling years of Atlas were only a small manufacturing operation, and the vans produced were mainly exported to Holland.
Despite predominantly exporting, Atlas displayed several models at 1975's major caravan exhibition at Earls Court.
1976
Atlas Zodiac Range
In 1976 the Atlas Zodiac range launched with a line up of six models from 24ft to 31ft in length.
The Atlas Zodiac range were known for innovative design, with the introduction of showers and bunk beds for family users.
1978
Innovators
In the late 70's Atlas really began to make a mark in design. Just four years into the industry, they were known for designing static caravans that had mass appeal to buyers.
Due to their innovative designs and quality builds, Atlas starting gaining attention from UK holiday caravan buyers.
1979
Hilton Touring Caravan
By 1979 Atlas were experienced in static caravan manufacturing and saw a possible entry into the touring caravan market.
In 1979 they showcased the Hilton Tourer at Earls Court, although this venture was short lived, the Hilton Tourer had a very royal visitor, Her Royal Highness, Princess Anne.
1980s
The 1980's were a decade of rapid growth for the Atlas brand.
With multiple new ranges, innovative layouts and interior designs, Atlas were true pioneers in the market.
1980
Atlas Supreme Range
In 1980 Atlas launched its flagship range, the Atlas Supreme, with a very new-look... a curved front exterior with interior bay window seating, creating a circular lounge.
The Atlas Supreme also boasted timber beams, brick effect walls and an in-built drinks cabinet.
1981
The Hide-Away
New for 1981 was the Hide-Away!
This model was another completely new concept to the market. A static caravan that had bedrooms at either end.
One master bedroom with adjoining shower, and then a twin room with separate toilet.
1984
Festival, Status & Image
By 1984, Atlas was renowned for its range of static caravans which all had their own unique selling points.
The 1984 brochure launched three new models, which are still favoured today; the Festival, Status and Image.
The Status model offered a never before seen feature of external storage 'boot' at the rear of the van.
1987
Hello 12ft
Atlas were one of the first to market with 12ft wide static caravans.
The Super Status had two layouts available; the 2 bedroom 31ft or 3 bedroom 35ft.
1990s
In 1990's Atlas were a market leader in their own right.
This new decade would see more lavish interiors that echoed that of domestic market trends.
Attending all the major events, the Atlas name was now a top choice in a competitive market.
1990
Encore & Encore Super
This decade saw the launch of the Encore 10ft wide & Encore Super 12ft wide models.
The Encore Super featured a sumptuous lounge with built in six seat front window settee, and could sleep up to eight people!
1991
The Chorus
1991 saw the launch of popular Atlas holiday home, the Chorus.
The Chorus was presented as something new in the way of value for money.
It was marketed as an ideal holiday home for first time buyers (and it still ticks that box 30 years later).
1994
Return of the Festival
Although the Festival range had been discontinued in 1989, after five years it made a return following demand from parks and customers.
With nine models in the range, it offered a homely interior design and appealed to a wide audience.
1995
The Heritage
The Heritage holiday home was first launched in 1995, and had mass appeal.
Available in 10ft and 12ft, it featured a fitted kitchen and spacious dinette that was ideal for family meals and entertaining.
1996
Award winning designs
Throughout the 90's Atlas won many awards for build and design.
In 1994, 1995 and 1996 Atlas won Caravan Holiday Home of the Year, winner 'Class A' and winner 'Class B'
1998
The Debonair
A star was born in 1998!
Still to this day, the Debonair holiday home is a firm favourite.
Back in 1998, the Debonair boasted spacious dinette, fitted kitchen with high level oven and Welsh dresser, a shower with a door, and freestanding sofa.
2000s
Heading into the new Millennium, Atlas continued to offer its customers a range of vans at varied price bands and specifications.
Atlas with their robust construction had become a firm favourite in the hire fleet markets.
2000
Modified Logo
Atlas celebrated the start of the new Millennium, by giving the original logo a refresh!
2001
Atlas Gas Dual System
Atlas launched a unique heating system that used gas and operated by blowing heat through the holiday home, replacing electric heating panels.
The system worked with under floor trunk pipe to various sections of the home allowing warm air to circulate where it was needed. It had "Summer Air Circulation" which was useful in summer months when central heating wasn't required.
2003
Caravan of the Year 2003
Atlas won Caravan of the Year in 2003 with its Moonstone Super, 35ft / 2 bedroom model.
As the best selling caravan in the UK, the Moonstone was the height of innovative design.
2005
The Concept
Originally launched in 1986, the Concept returned to the market in 2005 with a feature that would become famous within the industry.
The Concept had a raised dining area, or what some people called 'the dance floor'.
To this day, people associate the Concept holiday home with this unique feature.
2008
Atlas Lodge Collection
In 2008 Atlas began manufacturing Lodges as well as holiday homes, these twin units would bring a new element to an already vibrant offering.
First launched were the Wisteria, Laburnum and Jasmine Lodges, which featured freestanding furniture, American-style fridge freezers, dishwashers and even Range cookers.
2009
Atlas Leisure Homes
Following the industry hitting hard times, with a convoluted market place, the Atlas brand was reformed as Atlas Leisure Homes.
2010s
Despite a precarious start to the decade, new management soon re-established the Atlas brand back to its innovative roots.
Concentrating on building quality models for industry loved ranges.
2011
Return of the Zodiac
In 2011 Atlas relaunched the Taurus and Gemini, and received much public excitement, with many remembering the original models.
To accompany these Zodiac's, new signs such as the Sagittarius, Pisces and Capricorn were added to the range.
2012
The Lilac Lodge
In 2012 the Lilac Lodge first launched, and was met with industry acclaim.
With a distinctive curved kitchen island, it was soon recognized as a prestigious model in the Atlas Lodge range.
2016
Expansion
By 2016 Atlas were making their presence felt on parks and looking at increasing production and storage.
Investment just a few hundred yards from the main factory saw the purchase of a large substantial amount of land earmarked for a new factory but would also prove an ideal storage/collection area.
2019
Management Buy-Out
In 2019, a significant change occurred with the completion of a Management Buy-Out (MBO) and a completely new ownership team at the helm of Atlas. The ownership may have changed, but the strategic aim of the new team in charge remained the same as ever, to continue to manufacture the best quality product possible whilst introducing new and innovative materials and design features.
2020s
The start of this new decade was one like no other.
Covid-19 has potentially changed the lifestyle of a generation, altering the public's outlooks on life, work, time and travel.
These combined factors saw demand for UK based Holiday Homes sky rocket.
2020
New Manufacturing Site
With a full order book, the decision was made to open a second manufacturing site in Hull at nearby Sutton Fields Industrial Estate, to cater for the extra capacity.
The site is referred to as 'West Carr Lane' and doubled Atlas's capacity, creating lines 3 and 4 there.
2022
Management Buy-Out
A second MBO was made in April 2022, when shareholder and Sales & Marketing Director, Philip Spark, decided to retire.
The remaining shareholders, Steven McGawn (Managing Director), and Colin Jeffrey (Operations Director) acquired the remaining shares.
2023
Turning 50!
Atlas are incredibly proud of their heritage and excited to celebrate all that Atlas has achieved over the past 50 years.