TODAY sees the opening of a multi-million-pound van centre in Southampton as long-established commercial vehicle specialists Adams Morey expands with new brands to meet a booming van market.

The company, which had a £70m turnover last year, has its main centre beside the Redbridge roundabout at the southern end of the M271 but has taken out a new lease on the two-acre former Inchcape Peugeot site in Millbrook Road.

Adams Morey managing director Steve Mercer said all light commercial vehicle operations at Redbridge are being transferred to the Millbrook site, which had been vacant for more than a year, giving five times the space for their van business.

The move has not just seen the LDV sales franchise and Ford service main dealership transferred to the fully refurbished modern complex. The transition also sees the addition of the Fiat light commercial vehicle franchise from this week, a new three-ramp Ford Rapid Fit accredited tyre and exhaust centre and, around the end of the year, Ford Premier Plus status commercial vehicle parts.

Mr Mercer said: "There is a huge market for vans which is why we are making a significant investment of several million pounds in providing a welcoming environment and an efficient service for the 21st century.

"Here we have the capacity to expand our services to light commercial vehicle operators and also motor caravan owners.

"At the same time the move frees up space at Redbridge, now dedicated to being a stand-alone DAF Trucks heavy commercial vehicle dealership for vehicles of 7.5 tonnes upwards with about 70 staff - we sell about 1,000 heavy trucks a year."

Van sales director Dave Timms said that there will be about 35 staff at the new centre initially, including five parts department staff and five delivery drivers and there will be further recruitment for the new tyre and exhaust section.

Adams Morey has contracts with the city council, New Forest and Test Valley councils, the Ministry of Defence, Hampshire Ambulance Service and companies such as Williams Shipping and Christian Salvesen.