Autoglass opens first new branch in Redditch in 20 years after help from John Truslove
Autoglass®, a UK market-leading windscreen repair, replacement and recalibration company, has re-established a branch in Redditch after a gap of two decades, aided by commercial property agents John Truslove.
The company is expanding its branch network nationwide as it responds to the demands of many windscreens now incorporating complex technologies such as cameras and sensors.
The team at John Truslove worked with Alps Group – acquiring agents for Belron UK Ltd t/a Autoglass® and Laddaw – to secure a 10-year lease on Unit 35 on the Enfield Industrial Estate, in Redditch, a newly developed 3,300 sq ft factory/warehouse.
Sarah Porter, Property & Facilities Co-ordinator at Belron UK Ltd , explained that the rise in Advanced Driver Assistance Systems – ADAS – such as autonomous emergency braking and lane keeping technology meant that windscreen replacement now often involved recalibration of sensors that sit behind the windscreen.
“This recalibration work has to take place in a controlled environment, so our focus has moved towards expanding our network of branches as well as relying on our mobile technicians.”
The company opened 22 new sites across the UK last year – 15 moves to bigger premises and seven brand new branches. So far this year it has opened seven new branches and relocated three – including Redditch.
Regional manager Ryan Edwards heads the new Redditch branch, coming full circle in his career at Autoglass®.
“When I started with the firm in the mid-1990s we were based in Redditch, in another unit on the Enfield Industrial Estate.
“The new branch has four bays, and we are probably fitting 15 to 20 windscreens a day. We have eight technicians based at the branch – all former mobile technicians who live locally and are now enjoying a different working life.
“We chose our branch site so we are only 20-30 minutes driving time from our local customer base, and we are already seeing an 88% satisfaction rating for our work at Redditch. The more branches we open, the more convenient it will be for customers.
“Windscreen technology is continually advancing and improving, so members of our team are constantly undergoing training to maintain our high standards.
“The NCAP safety ratings of new cars requires at least two ADAS systems to be fitted, such as collision avoidance, parking sensors and blind spot detection. Most of these systems work through sensors in windscreens and this is only going to increase in the coming years.”
Ian Parker, joint managing director at commercial property agency John Truslove, said: “We are delighted to have been able to play a part in bringing a branch of Autoglass® back to Redditch.
“It is a highly satisfactory deal for our landlord client, with a nationally-renowned business as its new tenant. It also highlights the quality of these new factory/warehouse units on the Enfield Industrial Estate.
“They have been built to high standards that meet the needs of a famous brand on the cutting edge of vehicle technology.”
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