A Scottish design and manufacturing firm is set to benefit from the global staycation market as it emerges from Lockdown with a growing order book for its eco-friendly accommodation pods.
Armadilla, a family-run business in Midlothian, has successfully navigated the economic impact with support from Clydesdale Bank, owned by Virgin Money UK, and has returned to operations with a healthy pipeline.
Armadilla was forced to close its 25,000 sq ft factory in Bonnyrigg and furlough its 40 staff in March and delayed several customer projects. After securing funding through CBILS, the business was able meet projected cash flow shortfalls and cover fixed costs and supplier payments.
Operations resumed last month, and the company is fulfilling its pre-lockdown orders and receiving a growing volume of new ones from customers around the world seeking to take advantage of global travel restrictions.
The company designs and manufacturers a range of pod-style units for the commercial hospitality sector, including hotel groups, holiday parks and resorts. Each pod is pre-constructed with an integral steel chassis, which makes lifting and shifting easier.
We are shipping to New Zealand and talking to customers in Saudi Arabia, where they are seeking to drive their tourism market to boost the economy
MD Archie Hunter said: “With global travel restrictions in place hospitality providers around the world are turning their attention to their domestic markets and seeking to create unique experiences.
“The innovative design of our products means our pods can be shipped globally and built in around three weeks. We have a robust pipeline in the UK and Ireland, with orders also coming in from Europe. We are shipping to New Zealand and talking to customers in Saudi Arabia, where they are seeking to drive their tourism market to boost the economy.
Michael Mackie, relationship manager at Clydesdale Bank, said: “The hospitality sector was hit hard and suppliers to the sector felt the full weight of that impact too. Now, we’re starting to see new opportunities emerge and Armadilla is in a strong position to take advantage of growing demand for holiday pods.”
