Sherwoods ARC joins Fix Auto UK
Fix Auto UK has added Sherwoods Accident Repair Centre to its network.
The North East site is part of the Sherwoods Motor Group and will now operate as Fix Auto Washington following an aggressive investment programme of two new energy-efficient spraybooths – one of which is designed to accommodate large LCVs, camper vans and motorhomes – along with additional work bays, ramps and a whole raft of technical equipment.
The operation currently repairs up to 30 vehicles a week, but senior management hope to maximise the 30,000sqft repair centre and double its capacity by joining the Fix Auto network.
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 is why we have joined Fix Auto UK to help elevate that area of our business.”
Ian Pugh, managing director of Fix Auto UK, said: “What a way to start 2022! Here we have a 30,000sqft 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.”
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.
