• 1951
• 1955
• 1961
• 1970
• 1979
• 1983
• 1989
• 1996
• 1997
• 2004
• 2009

• Birth Of Gipsy Caravans

  October 1951 – work started on the first Gipsy Caravan, which was completed by Christmas 1951. Initially the company traded under the name of Crotan Caravan products, and was mostly involved in the manufacture of private and commercial vans and in the making of all types of caravan parts & awnings. The company founders were Frank and Laura Croot . Frank’s background was in engineering.

  

• Company Evolution

  In 1955 the company name was changed to Gipsy Caravans Ltd, and started specialising in caravan building only. In the early days of Gipsy Caravans, a great number of commercial vehicles (pie carts, catering vans, mobile dental clinics, etc) and mobile homes (living accommodation for the show and circus people) were built

  

• A Family Affair

  In 1961, Frank and Laura’s son, Robin Croot, joined the company full time, after being involved part time since a young age. Robin and wife Wendy are the current directors of Gipsy Caravans. The business flourished through the sixties and early seventies as more holiday style caravans were built, with the 10’ to 14’ vans the most popular size

  

• The Rise and Fall

  In the early 1970’s, Robin Croot took over as General Manager, and staff numbers grew to 28 in the mid 70’s. However In May 1978, Muldoon’s National Government introduced the sales tax on caravans. All caravan orders, except 2, were cancelled over night. All staff were given notice, with only Robin and the factory manager staying on to complete the current jobs. It took 4-5 years for the industry to recover

  

• Generation Change

  Frank Croot retired in the late 1970’s and passed away in 1980, at which time Frank’s son Robin Croot became Governing Director

  

• The Recovery

  In 1983, the staff had increased to 8, but to date, the staff level has never reached the heights of the mid 70’s. The old factory was too small due to the increased size of the caravans being built. A new 4,500 sq. ft factory was built. The original factory (3 army barracks from McKays Crossing at Paekakariki: 2 side by side & one on top) has since been leased out to various other local companies. It is currently occupied by The Levin Trading Company. About the same time, the land and house of the adjoining property was purchased, and this became the sales office and show room

  

• Expansion

  In 1989, Gipsy Caravans incorporated Classic Caravans, when Phil May, the then owner of Classic Caravans retired

  

• 1996

  In 1996, the original Gipsy Caravans was taken over by Robin and Wendy Croot, and the name changed to Gipsy Caravans 1996 Ltd

  

• A Third Generation

  In 1997, Robin and Wendy’s son, David Croot, returned from living in Sydney, to take over the factory manager’s position. David is now the third generation of caravan builders in the Croot family

  

• A Family Machine

  Robin and Wendy’s daughter, Nicola Croot, had been involved in the company from a very early age, but joined the company full time in 2004 as administrative assistant, and continues this position today

  

• 2009

  In April 2009, Robin and Wendy’s other son, Andrew Croot, returned from living abroad, and is now helping with marketing and management issues, as well as sales on the yard. Robin Croot also semi-retired, but can still be seen around the factory and yard on an almost daily basis

  

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