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the Team

Motorcraft Factory.webp

CEO & Founder

Ian Parkin-Coates

Ian Parkin-Coates is the driving force behind Motorcraft Adventure Developments, combining a passion for adventure with expertise in overland vehicle design. A former motorcycle racer, he built his own race transporter in the ’90s, sparking a career in vehicle construction. Retiring in 2006, he shifted to high-performance live-in vehicles.

Today, Ian leads Motorcraft Adventure Developments with the same drive and innovation that started it all, ensuring every vehicle meets the highest standards of quality, durability, and performance. His hands-on approach and relentless pursuit of excellence continue to push the boundaries of overland vehicle design.

Head of Mechanical Design

Tom Parkin-Coates

Tom is a dedicated designer specialising in bespoke engineering layouts for expedition vehicles. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for tailoring designs to individual needs, he ensures each project reflects the client’s unique style.

Working closely with workshop engineers, Tom meticulously oversees the design process, striving for excellence in every detail. Committed to customer satisfaction, he signs off on designs only when the client is completely happy. Combining creativity and technical expertise, he brings visions to life, crafting truly one-of-a-kind adventure vehicles.

Technical Sales Manager

Gary Shears

When it comes to vehicles and overland travel, Gary is your man. With extensive firsthand experience living and traveling the globe in expedition vehicles, he knows exactly what it takes to build for adventure. Before joining Motorcraft, Gary spent seven years as a manufacturing engineer in the satellite industry, honing his precision and technical expertise.

His passion for exploration led him to live and work from an expedition truck, traveling to some of the most remote corners of the world before eventually settling in Scotland. With a deep understanding of both engineering and real-world overland travel, Gary brings unparalleled insight to every build.

Workshop Manager

Matt Maylon

With 10 years in the engineering industry and 5 years in commercial bodybuilding, Matt brings a wealth of technical expertise to his role as Workshop Manager. He ensures build teams are effectively managed and projects stay on schedule, all while leading from the front - he's never afraid to get his hands dirty.

With experience across multiple disciplines, there’s not much he doesn’t know, but if he encounters something new, he’s always ready to dive in and figure it out. A keen hiker and outdoorsman, Matt is happiest exploring the wilderness with his dog by his side.

Commercial Manager

Tina Shears

With a wealth of experience in overland travel and expedition living, Tina Shears brings both expertise and passion to her role as Commercial Manager at Motorcraft. Having traveled the world in an expedition vehicle, she understands firsthand what it takes to create a truck that truly works for life on the road.

Before settling in remote Scotland, Tina gained invaluable experience in the satellite manufacturing, developing a keen eye for precision and quality. Now, she applies that knowledge to ensure every Motorcraft build meets the highest standards, helping customers turn their overland dreams into reality.

Head of Operations

Rob Dillon

Rob is responsible for liaising between the production & communication teams and the workshop, ensuring projects run smoothly and stay on schedule. He also works closely with the management team to oversee finance, HR, purchasing, and scheduling, keeping operations efficient and organised.

With a background in education, finance, and events management, he brings a diverse skill set that enhances Motorcraft’s efficiency and success. Beyond work, he is also a passionate singer, balancing his love for music with his commitment to driving operational excellence.

Production Planner

Deb Whitmore

Deb is responsible for overseeing the scheduling and coordination of truck builds, body finishes, and overland accessory production. With 17 years of experience in production planning within the medical industry, supplying to the NHS, she brings a meticulous and structured approach to every project.

As a CIPS-qualified buyer, Deb also manages the procurement of key components, ensuring each build runs smoothly and efficiently. Her expertise in planning and supply chain management helps keep production on track, delivering high-quality expedition vehicles on time.

Customer Liaison

Mary Davies

With a background in property management, Mary brings extensive experience in organisation, coordination, and customer service to her role as Customer Liaison. As the first point of contact, she ensures customer needs are clearly communicated to the build team, guaranteeing a seamless process in creating the perfect overland expedition vehicle.

Known for her straight-to-the-point, get-it-done attitude, Mary thrives on building strong relationships and delivering exceptional service. Passionate about Yorkshire and the outdoors, she plays a key role in bringing every expedition vehicle to life.

CAD Engineer

Kate Dooner

Kate is the CAD Engineer behind the scenes at Motorcraft Adventure Developments, specialising in technical drawings, 3D modelling, and system diagrams to support the manufacturing process. Working closely with both the office and workshop teams, she plays a key role in developing new products, refining existing systems, and 3D printing prototypes. As an integral part of the design team, she ensures precision and innovation in every design.

Her background includes five years as a kitchen designer, followed by a year spent building her own camper van and traveling the UK. Before that, she embarked on a year-long adventure across North America, deepening her understanding of functional design in mobile living spaces.

Marketing & Content

Jasmine Wheelhouse

A serial entrepreneur, Jasmine has successfully managed multiple award-winning businesses across the education, events, and alcohol industries, gaining invaluable experience in brand development and audience engagement. It was through these ventures that she discovered her true passion - helping others grow their brands through compelling, cross-platform storytelling.

Outside of the digital world, she first converted a 50-year-old fire engine into a camper, embracing the challenge of mobile living before taking on her second build that took her, her partner and their dog across Europe. Through this journey, she gained firsthand experience in the overland lifestyle, deepening her understanding of what it takes to live, travel, and work from the open road.

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