A Lancashire truck manufacturer is celebrating after building its 125,000th heavy-duty truck.

The milestone was achieved by historic firm Leyland Trucks, with the production of an XD 340 FAR 6x2 rigid with a lifting rear axle.

This vehicle was handed over to long-standing customer, Copart, at a special factory presentation.

The company said this achievement is a significant milestone for the UK-based truck manufacturer, which can trace its roots back to 1896 and the founding of the original Leyland Motors.

Managing director Peter Ahrens said: "It’s another very proud day in the long history of truck building in Leyland.

"DAF’s market-leading position for almost three decades has been driven by the dedication of a wonderful group of engineers, office staff and, of course, the production workforce who build the best trucks in the world.

"With the New Generation DAF range now complete, and with new upgrades announced for 2025 models, we remain in a very strong position to take truck manufacturing forward in Leyland for many decades to come."

Leyland Trucks, the manufacturer of DAF commercial vehicles, began production of DAF "heavy-duty" models with the CF Series. This was followed by the XF Series.

The production plant now assembles the entire New Generation Range, including the multi-award-winning XD, XF, XG, and XG+ models for the UK and other world markets.

The company is responsible for the design, development, and production of all medium-duty DAF XB trucks for all markets.

Almost all DAF trucks sold in the UK and Ireland are produced here, with around 40 per cent of Leyland Trucks’ annual production exported overseas.

The 125,000th vehicle was handed over to Copart, a global vehicle remarketing company specialising in the online auction of salvaged and used vehicles.

The company processes around 500,000 vehicles annually and operates more than 350 DAF XB, XD, and XF models.

Two of its latest intake of XD rigids feature high-level specifications in recognition of two drivers who have delivered more than 30 years of service.

Shane Webb, Copart’s group transport manager, said: "We’re a big DAF operator and we have a great relationship with the manufacturer and with two DAF Dealers, Brian Currie and MOTUS Commercials.

"We’re delighted to be the owners of vehicle number 125,000, and we’re proud to be associated with the built in Britain heritage of Leyland Trucks."

After being founded in 1896 as the Lancashire Steam Motor Company, Leyland Motors evolved into British Leyland, which became the Roer Group in 1986 with the truck business spun off and merged with DAF Trucks to become Leyland DAF in the UK.

When DAF went into administration in 1993, Leyland DAF was bought in a management buyout and rebranded Leyland Trucks and then taken over by Paccar in 1998.