A Perth commercial vehicle repair specialist is planning to spend £700,000 constructing new premises as part of its ambitious growth plans.
Auto Services Perth has seen off stiff competition from property developers to purchase a large site at the Inveralmond Industrial Estate.
The move will see the firm expand further into the heavy truck recovery sector and will include the construction of a purpose-built truck repair facility and bodyshop.
The site was previously occupied by Scot Motorhomes, which went into administration in August.
The new premises will also see staff numbers increase.
In May last year, the firm had 44 employees, which has risen to around 50 at current levels, but with the new facility, the company has set a target of taking the staff tally to 80.
Managing director Steve Crozier said: “We are delighted to have acquired the land against strong interest from commercial property developers.
“The purchase and significant investment in a bespoke facility will allow us to expand our range of services including the heavy truck sector.
“We expect the construction to be complete in around 18 months and have appointed a local contractor to build the facility.
“This signals the next stage in our growth plans for the company, but we continue to target expansion and expect the company to have outgrown the facility in around five years’ time.”
The firm was founded in 1981 as a father and son partnership by Jim and Steve Crozier and has enjoyed significant expansion.
Its portfolio of services has also grown and includes vehicle sales and rental, servicing, parts and a recovery service for vehicles of up to 44 tonnes which operates 365 day per year.
Last year, the firm’s expansion took a step forward when it became an authorised Renault truck and van, service, repair and recovery centre, which saw the garage providing cover over a considerable area including the Forth Bridge, Fort William and Dalwhinnie.
It was the latest appointment for the company which has full franchise agreements for Isuzu and LDV, and is authorised to carry out repairs for a number of commercial vehicle manufacturers including Iveco and Mercedes, with discussions currently taking place with another, unnamed manufacturer.
jimillar@thecourier.co.uk