Sports car firm Caterham has cut the ribbon on its multi-million pound new state-of-the-art headquarters in Dartford.

The site will see the firm being able to increase its production capacity by 50% - producing up to 750 of its hand-assembled cars a year.

The new 54,000sq ft facility is on a new nine-acre industrial park development on Rennie Drive called Dartford X.

It is a short distance from its previous base in the town allowing all existing factory staff to relocate.

Caterham chiefs announced the move last year. The move has been financed by its owners VT Holdings - one of Japan’s biggest vehicle retail groups.

It will feature a parts warehouse, engine shop and the latest paint booths along with 33 individual bays for the creation of its famous lightweight, two-seater Caterham Seven sports car.

Fans of the brand will also be able to book a tour of the new facility.

Bob Laishley, CEO of Caterham, added: “Moving into our new global headquarters is a significant moment in our brand’s history and will be transformational for the business and the future of the Seven.

“Not only will we be able to increase our production capacity by 50%, but for the first time in our 50-year history the production, engineering, motorsport, and commercial teams will all be housed under one roof. It will make us a more efficient, streamlined business.”

Kazuho Takahashi, CEO of VT Holdings, said: “This modern facility exemplifies VT Holdings' unwavering dedication and support for the iconic British sports car brand, Caterham.

“From this new location, we will continue to take pride in delivering increasingly high-quality vehicles to our customers worldwide.”

Caterham started its business in the Surrey town of the same name in 1973, before moving production to its former HQ in Kennet Road, Dartford, in 1987.