SECOND FIX & GO FAST REPAIR BODYSHOP OPENS ITS DOORS IN SOUTH WALES

Seven weeks after launching the Fix Auto Fix & Go fast repair network at the inaugural site in Swansea, a second Fix & Go bodyshop has opened its doors in Pontypridd, South Wales.

True to his word, fast repair pioneer and owner of four Fix Auto bodyshops Steve Peart has spent just six weeks transforming a disused industrial unit adjoining his existing Fix Auto Pontypridd site, into the network’s second, state-of-the-art, express facility. The    centre began repairing cars on Monday, 13 April.

Following an investment of £200,000, this development marks the latest chapter of Fix Auto UK’s strategy to develop a national network of fast repair centres to complement its network of traditional bodyshops, with the capabilities to repair non-structurally damaged vehicles in under two days.

The move ensures that Steve Peart’s portfolio of vehicle repair centres - comprised of Fix Auto Cardiff (two sites), Fix Auto Pontypridd and the two new Fix & Go sites in Swansea and Pontypridd - will collectively complete around 1,100 repairs a month, creating the    single largest repair network covering South Wales. His next move is to redevelop his    existing fast repair centre close to Fix Auto Cardiff into the network’s third Fix & Go facility, which is on-track for completion during May.

Following an identical footprint to the pioneering Fix & Go site in Swansea, the new 8,000 sq ft 16-bay workshop at Pontypridd uses the latest infra-red drying equipment, combined with a moveable spraybooth spanning four bays, plus a combination of techniques and practices developed by Steve Peart and his team over the past four years, to dramatically reduce the time taken to return a vehicle back to pre-accident condition.

Steve Peart commented: “Following the opening ceremony at the first Fix & Go site in Swansea on February 20th, I have been delighted and highly encouraged by the response to our new initiative.  Not only has there has been a huge amount of interest from within the industry to understand what we are building, but the workshop team have also been totally transformed by the site move. Thanks to the changes in working environment and practices, we have seen significant improvements in efficiency, attitude and throughput from exactly the same people.

“From a commercial perspective, in Swansea we have seen a significant upturn in walk-in customers which we attribute to both our location on a busy retail park alongside        word-of-mouth referrals from customers who have been impressed by our speed of repair and our customer reception which provides them with total visibility of the repair process. This has been reflected through a 12 per cent increase in our customer service index in the first month alone.  Our second Fix & Go centre will complement the Swansea site, as we continue to build a complete repair solution for South Wales”.

Ian Pugh, Managing Director of Fix Auto UK, said: “What Steve and his team have achieved in such a short space of time is terrific.  There has been a real buzz about the Fix & Go concept both from our own franchisees, and also our insurer clients.  While the   network is embryonic, I am confident that we will see it spread across the country over the course of the next year.”

Notes to Editors:

• Fix Auto UK is part of a global franchised network of more than 340 bodyshops.
• Fix Auto UK carries out more than 120,000 body repairs per year for leading motor insurance companies, fleets, and retail customers.
• Fix Auto UK, Carr House, 8 Hawley Road, Hinckley, Leicestershire, LE10 0PR. Tel: 01455 234 354.
• Fix Auto UK Pontypridd (Fix & Go), B8 Taffs Mead Road, Treforest Industrial Estate, Pontypridd, Mid Glamorgan, CF37 5TF. Tel: 01443 841569

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