Major Expansion Project On Course For Essex-based Fix Auto UK Repairer

Three months after opening Fix Auto Braintree, owner Danny Ashwell has confirmed his plans to open a second new site are on course to come to fruition.  

This new site, which will replace his existing Fix Auto Chelmsford repair centre, is the second element in his impressive programme of investment and arrives almost a year on from when he revealed his highly ambitious plans to elevate from a single bodyshop repairer to a four-site operator across Essex before 2024.  

And with the development work at the new 8,000 sq ft venue is nearing completion which should result in with a relocation next month, the 50-year-old is already eying up potential venues in Southend-on-Sea and Clacton.  

“Everything is going according to plan,” said Danny, “I couldn’t have wished for a better start to Fix Auto Braintree which we opened in December.  The staff have bedded in incredibly well, the layout is perfect for our workflow and we’re operating, in terms of repair capacity, at around 35 per cent above our own target. 

“Our focus now is on completing our replacement centre in Chelmsford which is now only a matter of weeks away from being opened. Our existing site is being redeveloped so we need to relocate as soon as possible. It really is exciting for the business. Our current site has served us so well but, if truth be told, its layout is disjointed and can hamper our repair process. The new building has again been purposely designed and is energy and environmentally friendly with two drive-through spraybooths (one for LCVs) which, crucially, will enable us to really increase our repair capacity.” 

Danny added: “If all goes to plan, by the end of April it will be a case of two new sites complete, two to go and, hopefully by the summer, those additional venues could be secured and our goal of becoming a four-site operation in Essex by the end of 2024 will be another major step towards becoming a reality.” 

Ian Pugh, Fix Auto UK’s Managing Director, said: “I am forever in awe of any repairer ambitious repairer but to have one like Danny within the Fix Auto UK network is truly inspiring. He announced his intentions to develop four new sites within three years which is a bold statement by anyone’s standards and he’s making it happen and yet, at the same time, still delivering a fine service.”