New site belies Covid disruptions

East Bilney Coachworks has launched its eighth site after a six-month fit-out by LKQ Euro Car Parts’ Workshop Solutions team.

Situated in Thetford, it is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment for servicing vehicles that feature increasingly sophisticated technology, with a full suite of diagnostic tools to allow every vehicle in the workshop – including hybrids and electric vehicles – to receive a full pre- and post-service analysis.

The workshop is also fitted out with the latest bodyshop equipment such as ramps, dent pullers and welders, and features a sliding spraybooth capable of painting seven vehicles at a time, significantly boosting the site’s capacity and reducing key-to-key time for customers.

Mark Baldwin, director at East Bilney Coachworks, said: “This is the first time I’ve partnered with LKQ Euro Car Parts on a workshop fit-out, and it has been a completely seamless process from start to finish. After the initial meeting where the design was agreed, other than a weekly production meeting, I was able to sit back and let the team get to work.

“It has been a challenging few months for us, due to the impact of Covid-19, but the team has been able to guarantee safe, socially-distanced working practices throughout the whole fit-out process, to deliver my vision of a ‘space age’ workshop that’s fit for the future.

“We now have all the equipment we need to do anything the main dealerships can do – and we’ve got manufacturer approval to service a series of leading makes and models. This means we’re in a position to ensure every insurer and driver can send vehicles our way with confidence, knowing that they can expect the highest standards of service every time.”

Adam White, Workshop Solutions director at LKQ Euro Car Parts, said: “As the vehicles on our roads become smarter, it’s vital that technicians across every discipline have the skills and tools available to service them.

“Whenever a car equipped with ADAS, for example, is involved in a collision, there’s a risk of its finely-tuned sensors being knocked out of calibration. Bodyshops must be ready to address this as standard in any vehicle repair, becoming a true one-stop-shop to help drivers get their vehicles back as quickly as possible.”