FIX AUTO UK BOOSTS THE NETWORK IN THE NORTH EAST WITH WASHINGTON JOINING

Fix Auto UK’S continual recruitment drive has got off to the perfect start to 2022 with the news that Sherwoods Accident Repair Centre in the North East has joined the network.
The latest addition, which is part of the Sherwoods Motor Group, will now operate as Fix Auto Washington and joins following an aggressive programme of investment which has seen the installation of two new energy efficient spraybooths – one of which is designed to accommodate large LCVs, camper vans and motorhomes – to add to an existing unit, additional work bays and ramps along with a whole raft of technical equipment.
Currently, the operation repairs up to 30 vehicles a week but the senior management held no reservations by admitting their key rationale behind joining Fix Auto UK was to improve on work efficiencies in order to truly maximise the 30,000 sq ft repair centre and double its capacity.
Managing Director Simon MacConachie, said: “We have a truly magnificent bodyshop that has, in our opinion, never quite fulfilled its true potential. The team we have in place are highly skilled and excellent at what they do but we recognised that if the centre is to reach its true potential, we needed to significantly invest in the facilities and equipment which is exactly what we have done.
“Car sales is our core specialism and while we’ve managed to run the repair operation well, we also realise we need support and guidance from industry experts if we are to meet our own ambitions which us why we have joined Fix Auto UK to help elevate that area of our business.”
Chris Elvidge, Sherwoods Motor Group Chairman, added: “Having previously worked very successfully with Fix Auto UK and known Ian Pugh for many years, it is great to have them as a partner to help us take our repair operation to greater successes”
The repair centre already holds official vehicle manufacturer approvals for the entire Stallantis Group encompassing Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroen, Dodge, DS, Fiat, Jeep, Lancia, Maserati, Peugeot, Ram and Vauxhall along with Suzuki and Isuzu. As an organisation, Sherwoods Motor Group employs 160 people across its car sales centres in Gateshead, Durham, Sunderland and Washington and has a turnover in excess of £75 million.
Ian Pugh, Managing Director of Fix Auto UK, said: “What a way to start 2022! Here we have a 30,000 sq ft repair centre that has been significantly invested in over recent times and owners who are extremely ambitious. Operationally, I am confident that by working together we can help to fulfil those ambitions.”

Caption: Fix Auto UK’s first new addition of 2022 sees Fix Auto Washington joining the network – from left Bodyshop Manager Marc Madden, Sherwoods Group Chairman Chris Elvidge and Managing Director Simon MacConachie with Carl Norton, Regional Business Manager for Fix Auto UK and the network’s Business Development Manager Martin Willis.

Caption: Sherwoods Accident Repair Centre that will now operate as Fix Auto Washington.

Notes to Editors:
· Fix Auto UK is part of a global franchised network of more than 780 bodyshops.
· Fix Auto UK carries out more than 150,000 body repairs per year for leading motor insurance companies, fleets, and retail customers.
· Fix Auto UK, Lyndale House, Harcourt Way, Meridian Business Park, Leicester, LE19 1WL. Tel: 0116 3265401.
· Fix Auto UK’s Portfolio of wholly owned repair centres comprises Fix Auto Daventry, Fix Auto Colwyn Bay, Fix Auto Barnsley, Fix Auto Crawley, Fix Auto Paignton, Fix Auto Liverpool South and Fix Auto Castleford. The Network also holds a majority share in Fix Auto Goole.
· Fix Auto Washington, Crowther Road, Crowther Road Industrial Estate, Washington, NE38 0AQ. Tel: 0191 4172677

Please Note: For further information please contact Mark Richards on 07774 861596. Email: mrichards@fixauto.co.uk