Project Overview

This project involved the comprehensive redesign and transformation of an existing warehouse structure into a cutting-edge Special Vehicle Operations venue tailored for Jaguar Land Rover. The resulting Technical Centre now stands as the global hub of excellence for crafting top-tier luxury vehicles, serving JLR’s most discerning and passionate clientele.

Project Value
£3,346,771
Project Value
Key Features
Flexible Workshops
Key Features
Logistics
Occupied Site
Logistics
M&E Services
Complex M&E
M&E Services
Location
Coventry
Location
Completion Date
December 2015
Completion Date

The Technical Centre serves as JLR’s global centre of excellence for the creation of high-end luxury vehicles.

SVO’s unique facilities comprise a VIP customer commissioning suite for bespoke services and premium vehicle personalisation, as well as Formula 1-inspired flexible workshops and a specialist paint studio.

The inaugural vehicle to emerge from the new SVO workshop was the Jaguar F-TYPE Project 7.

This vehicle is the most powerful and fastest production Jaguar to date. Notably, this product is highly exclusive, with only 250 units available for discerning customers worldwide.

Core Team

Gary Wykes

Gary Wykes

Board Director

Gary started his construction career at 16 as a Trainee Quantity Surveyor, combining hands-on experience with studies at Kettering and Northampton Colleges, where he earned ONC and HNC qualifications. He later obtained a part-time degree from Nottingham Trent University, completing it in five years thanks to his prior qualifications.

In the mid-1980s, Gary worked with a second company, managing projects in Hatfield and Aylesbury, before seeking a role closer to home. Joining SDC in the late 1980s, he progressed from Quantity Surveyor to Senior Quantity Surveyor and then Manager of the Special Projects Division. During the early 1990s recession, Gary played a key role in restructuring the division, which focused on smaller-scale projects. This effort helped position SDC for long-term success in a challenging economic climate.

Appointed to SDC’s Board of Directors in 2003, Gary oversees the Special Projects Division, manages key projects, and contributes to strategic and financial planning. Between 2004 and 2007, he played a role in transitioning SDC to an Employee Benefit Trust (EBT), ensuring stability and employee-centred governance. His leadership alongside the other Board Directors has been pivotal in navigating challenges and ensuring stability.

Gary has fostered enduring relationships with major clients like Jaguar Land Rover and the University of Cambridge, emphasising quality and client satisfaction. Over decades, he has supported SDC’s evolution from a more informal operation to a professional, structured organisation. As the company continues to grow and adapt, he remains committed to supporting its ongoing success and ensuring it is well-positioned to meet future challenges.

Elliot Smith

Elliot Smith

Project Manager

Elliot joined SDC in 2002 and has progressed to Project Manager, where he has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and successful project delivery. Elliot is involved in projects throughout the entirety of their lifecycle and is dedicated to achieving exemplary standards. He has worked on several projects with repeat clients such as Jaguar Land Rover. His communication skills and focus on stakeholder satisfaction consistently drives positive project outcomes.

Phil Janes

Phil Janes

Commercial Manager

Phil is a highly experienced and accomplished Project Commercial Director, having been a valued member of the SDC team since 1990. Phil plays a central role in providing strategic commercial direction across a wide range of projects, ensuring that each initiative is executed with both financial efficiency and long-term success in mind. His leadership skills are exceptional, and he is known for his ability to guide teams with clarity and purpose. Over the years, Phil has developed a vast and varied experience in the automotive, science and technology sectors, contributing to a number of groundbreaking projects that integrate sustainability with the latest advancements in technology. His wealth of knowledge has made him a go-to expert in areas where innovation and environmental responsibility intersect.