Ten years on from when Construction Industry News last caught up with CPD Bodies, the company has undergone a remarkable transformation. Once a modest operation with just 14 employees, it now boasts a team of 84 and a reputation for delivering high-quality commercial vehicle conversions across the UK.
With a new team at the helm and a clear growth strategy, CPD Bodies is proving that agility, customer focus and operational excellence are the keys to thriving in a competitive market. The company’s core offering remains unchanged: taking a chassis and building it to specification for commercial clients. However, the scale and sophistication of the operation have evolved dramatically, as Lou Hilsdon, Marketing Manager, explains: “We’re pretty much still the same business we were 10 years ago but around 10 times the size now.”
This expansion has been driven by a combination of consistent leadership, deep market understanding and strong customer relationships. Repeat business has played a vital role, particularly with clients in infrastructure and utilities, where fleet renewal cycles create ongoing demand.
As CPD Bodies has grown, so has its workforce, ensuring that its client base continue to receive the best possible service. The current marketing and content team is also relatively new, with new members having been added in recent months. Despite their short tenure, they’ve quickly aligned with the company’s growth ambitions. “We’ve arrived at our roles just as the business enters its next phase of growth,” outlines Laura Rich, Content Developer. “We’re seeing results already, and we’re only a couple of months in.”
This fresh energy is matched by a strategic investment in people and infrastructure. CPD Bodies is expanding its workshop facilities and embracing sustainability, with plans to power three of its units entirely by solar energy in the coming year.
While product innovation in the commercial vehicle sector can be constrained by payload requirements—particularly in the electric vehicle (EV) space—CPD Bodies has focused on refining its processes. The result is a highly efficient production model that enables rapid turnaround times and scalable service.
“We can turn around a conversion within two to four weeks,” says Simon Meek, Marketing Executive. “That’s a huge advantage when competitors are quoting lead times well into 2026.”
The company’s in-house approach allows for personalised service and short lead times, setting it apart from OEMs like Ford and Mercedes. In fact, some OEMs even bring their vehicles to CPD Bodies for conversion, a testament to the company’s expertise and reliability.
Thanks to its capabilities, CPD Bodies serves a diverse customer base, from sole traders needing one or two vehicles, to large fleets operated by councils and utility companies. Demand is seasonal, with spikes in Luton van conversions tending to be around Christmas, with increased interest in tippers and dropsides in spring.
Geographically, the company operates nationwide, with three main sites: a production facility in Stockton and two vehicle storage locations in Middlesbrough and Stockton. This footprint enables it to respond quickly to its customers’ needs across the UK.
Like many in the automotive industry, CPD Bodies faces challenges from external forces—economic shifts, political decisions, and global supply chain disruptions. The war in Ukraine and US tariffs have impacted the availability of raw materials, particularly plastics. Additionally, public sector budget cuts can influence demand from council clients.
Despite these hurdles, the company remains resilient. “Touch wood, we’re riding those storms very well,” highlights Lou. “The only concern is the pace of EV growth, but we’ll focus on other areas to sustain our momentum.”
The next 12 months will be critical as the team works to meet ambitious growth targets. Marketing efforts will be guided by close monitoring of market trends and strategic promotion. “We’re small enough and dynamic enough to flex. If a customer wants one vehicle or 101, we can handle it.”
With a strong foundation, a motivated team and a clear vision, CPD Bodies is well-positioned to continue its upward trajectory. As the company prepares for its next chapter, the focus remains on delivering quality, speed, and service—values that have defined its journey so far.