I thought it would be both useful and interesting to give Romaclub members an update
on the current state of Romahome manufacturing.
Freeborn Group became a minority shareholder of Island Plastics, the manufacturers of
Romahome, in 1991. This was simply because our car dealership in Southampton
supplied Island Plastics (based in Ryde) with all the Citroen C15's and C25's they
needed to convert into Romahomes. Freeborns subsequently funded a management
buy out in the late 90's and many of you will remember the Island Plastics managers
involved Brian Bailey, Ron Riley and Alan Day.
This eventually led to a full takeover of Romahome by Freeborns in the early part
of this century in which Brian retained a stake and became Managing Director.
Manufacturing of Romahome and other conversions such as meals-on-wheels for local
authorities continued until the lease on the factory premises in Cowes expired in
September 2013. This coincided with Citroen France deciding Romahome could not
convert the new Berlingo because it now had ESP fitted which would not work effectively
with the chassis overhang. As the R20 and R25 are both built on the Berlingo and
accounted for 70% of production we had little choice but to cease production when the
lease ended. Thankfully, Brian's son and daughter, Dan and Jess Bailey, had already
taken a lease on the adjoining premises and asked if they could take on Romahome
production under licence from Freeborns.
This was readily agreed and excellent news as it meant most of the experienced
Romahome staff were able to get jobs with Addabak, the new company.
The R10, built on the Nemo, and R30 built on the Relay, were not affected by the
introduction of ESP as they are built on vans and production therefore continues as
before with sales numbering about 2 per month. Thankfully, there is still a plentiful supply
of Berlingo vans without ESP and low mileage examples are purchased primarily by
Freeborn Group and converted into R20 Hi and Lo models and sold with an all new
conversion. The sales of used R20's number about 5 per month.
On top of that Addabak designed an all new demountable built on the DFSK pickup
truck, the D20. This hasn't had widespread publicity but is a great little vehicle although
sold in relatively small numbers as supply is restricted.
Addabak usually run a demonstrator and Freeborn also have one on show at
Southampton.
Other good news is that Addabak won a big order to convert Mercedes vans into welfare
vehicles in early 2014 and this will keep them very busy for some time to come.
The Romahome name, all the parts, tooling and moulds are being bought from Freeborn
Group by Addabak and the full purchase will have been completed by the end of 2016.
While Freeborn Group has been delighted to have had responsibility for
Romahome all these years this sale is great news as it means a young and enthusiastic
team will be entrusted with the future of what has become an iconic and widely
recognised brand.
So, many thanks for supporting Romahome for so many years and on behalf of all
the staff at Freeborns who continue to be involved with these amazing vehicles.
on the current state of Romahome manufacturing.
Freeborn Group became a minority shareholder of Island Plastics, the manufacturers of
Romahome, in 1991. This was simply because our car dealership in Southampton
supplied Island Plastics (based in Ryde) with all the Citroen C15's and C25's they
needed to convert into Romahomes. Freeborns subsequently funded a management
buy out in the late 90's and many of you will remember the Island Plastics managers
involved Brian Bailey, Ron Riley and Alan Day.
This eventually led to a full takeover of Romahome by Freeborns in the early part
of this century in which Brian retained a stake and became Managing Director.
Manufacturing of Romahome and other conversions such as meals-on-wheels for local
authorities continued until the lease on the factory premises in Cowes expired in
September 2013. This coincided with Citroen France deciding Romahome could not
convert the new Berlingo because it now had ESP fitted which would not work effectively
with the chassis overhang. As the R20 and R25 are both built on the Berlingo and
accounted for 70% of production we had little choice but to cease production when the
lease ended. Thankfully, Brian's son and daughter, Dan and Jess Bailey, had already
taken a lease on the adjoining premises and asked if they could take on Romahome
production under licence from Freeborns.
This was readily agreed and excellent news as it meant most of the experienced
Romahome staff were able to get jobs with Addabak, the new company.
The R10, built on the Nemo, and R30 built on the Relay, were not affected by the
introduction of ESP as they are built on vans and production therefore continues as
before with sales numbering about 2 per month. Thankfully, there is still a plentiful supply
of Berlingo vans without ESP and low mileage examples are purchased primarily by
Freeborn Group and converted into R20 Hi and Lo models and sold with an all new
conversion. The sales of used R20's number about 5 per month.
On top of that Addabak designed an all new demountable built on the DFSK pickup
truck, the D20. This hasn't had widespread publicity but is a great little vehicle although
sold in relatively small numbers as supply is restricted.
Addabak usually run a demonstrator and Freeborn also have one on show at
Southampton.
Other good news is that Addabak won a big order to convert Mercedes vans into welfare
vehicles in early 2014 and this will keep them very busy for some time to come.
The Romahome name, all the parts, tooling and moulds are being bought from Freeborn
Group by Addabak and the full purchase will have been completed by the end of 2016.
While Freeborn Group has been delighted to have had responsibility for
Romahome all these years this sale is great news as it means a young and enthusiastic
team will be entrusted with the future of what has become an iconic and widely
recognised brand.
So, many thanks for supporting Romahome for so many years and on behalf of all
the staff at Freeborns who continue to be involved with these amazing vehicles.
I thought you were thinking it was latest news, that's all 
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