Fix Auto Chelmsford set for major expansion

Fix Auto Chelmsford, has revealed an aggressive programme of expansion that could see the single-site operation quadruple in size within the next four years.

Danny Ashwell, managing director, revealed his intentions after signing the papers to take over a 10,000 sqft building which will be transformed into Fix Auto Braintree, a completely new addition to the Fix Auto UK network.

Work has already commenced to create 8,000 sqft of workspace including two energy efficient spraybooths, one suitable for LCVs, and one purely dedicated to cars and smaller items. In total, the new site will be the result of a £230,000 investment but will be the first of two additional developments already in the pipeline.

Ashwell said: “We have been planning to increase our repair footprint for several years and have actively been looking for suitable sites. While we have two other venues that will serve two other areas on our radar, Braintree has come about quickly and has now taken precedent.”

Fix Auto Chelmsford is currently repairing up to 220 vehicles a month. When the Braintree site is fully operational, that figure should increase by an additional 150.

Ashwell, who was proclaimed as the AXA Insurance Bodyshop of the Year during the recent Fix Auto UK National Conference, said: “We never joined Fix Auto UK to stand still, we have always held big ambitions to develop and grow into a multi-site operation.  We are now in that fortunate position where are turning those ambitions reality.”

Ian Pugh, Fix Auto UK’s managing director, said: “Whenever I hear about a franchise partner expanding their operation, I can’t help but get excited, especially when it brings further support to our network. But to hear of a multiple expansion programme as aggressive as this, well that’s a whole new level but one that simply underpins the ever-growing confidence with those progressive and ambitious Franchise Partners within the network.”