The Leyland Assembly Plant in Lancashire stands as one of Europe’s premier commercial vehicle production facilities. With a rich history dating back to 1896, this site has been at the forefront of truck manufacturing since its founding by James Sumner and Henry Spurrier under the Lancashire Steam Motor Company. Over the years, it evolved into the prominent Leyland Motors and subsequently into British Leyland.
In 1979, the modern assembly plant was inaugurated to produce the pioneering T45 Roadtrain series, a symbol of innovation in commercial vehicle design. The plant underwent significant changes following a merger with Dutch company DAF in 1987, and later, its acquisition by American truck giant PACCAR in 1998. Today, the plant operates under the banner of Leyland Trucks, serving as the hub for light- and medium-duty truck design and production for PACCAR in the UK.
The Leyland facility is responsible for assembling all DAF CF, XD, XF, XG, LF, and XB truck models destined for both the UK market and global export, with export accounting for around 40% of its output. The sprawling 86-acre site plays a vital role in the regional economy by employing over 1,000 people, demonstrating its significant contribution to both local and global vehicle manufacturing sectors.
Leyland Trucks continues to uphold its legacy of expertise and innovation in the automotive industry while contributing to the UK’s proud history of manufacturing excellence.
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