A motor vehicle repair firm in Bristol has invested £1.7 million in a new high-tech and eco-friendly premises and body shop.
WBC Automotive Ltd, established in 2002, follows a management and staff buyout from Nationwide Accident Repair Service plc.
The new investment will witness the company move into a customized 20,000 sq ft premises in Caxton Business Park, Crown Way, Warmley.
This premise have been built as well as refurbished according to the specifications WBC Automotive to incorporate an efficient and state-of-the-art body shop.
Director David Turner said: “This is a great opportunity for us to deliver a client experience which is second to none. The premises will house the latest diagnostic and specialist repair equipment with a separate 6,000 sq ft aluminium repair facility, while at the same time introducing an eco-friendly environment aimed at driving down energy costs.”
The firm got its finance for the expansion from Barclays.
“We’re delighted that Barclays has backed our ambitious plans to create an energy-efficient body shop fit for purpose in the 21st century,” said David.
WBC Automotive Ltd directly deals with the major insurance companies including Allianz Cornhill, Aviva, Catlin and Churchill and is one of only five AMG Mercedes accredited structural aluminium approved body shops in the UK.
Recently, in addition to VW and Audi, Seat and Skoda the firm has gained full Land Rover and Jaguar aluminium accreditation and taken this opportunity to fit 6.5 ton lifts and also geometry equipment for supporting light commercial approval for Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen light commercial vehicles.
WBC Automotive has won the contract for Rolls Royce and Avon and Somerset Police recently and has hired 10 new staff to join their team of 40 to meet the current demand.
Richard Crew, senior Barclay’s business manager in Bristol, said: “This is an important investment for WBC Automotive Ltd which sets them up as one of the most innovative motor vehicle repair firms in the South West.”
They will officially launch their new premises in February 2014.
