SILVER CELEBRATION FOR WEST PENNINE TRUCKS

In September 1984 it was a newly formed and wholly owned subsidiary of Scania (Great Britain) Limited and its franchise territory covered the Greater Manchester area only.  The Company still operates from its Middleton premises on Stakehill Industrial Park, but the size and scope of its operations has expanded considerably over the years.

Shortly after its formation, a major refurbishment programme was commissioned.  Although this seemed a huge investment at the time, the Company’s real growth only started in 1995 after West Pennine Trucks was acquired by the Ballyvesey Holdings Group.  With the financial and management resources of the Ballyvesey Group behind it, West Pennine Trucks then began a period of rapid expansion by a combination of acquisition and generic growth.  In 10 years, between 1995 and 2005, the number of depots increased to seven and the franchise territory expanded accordingly.  The key events during this decade of development were:-

1996   Depots at Stoke and Telford acquired from Scania (GB) Limited.

1998   Opening of new purpose built depot, John Gilbert Way in     Trafford Park, South Manchester.

1999   Move to new purpose built depot at Halesfield, Telford.

February 2000 Depots at Knighton & Oswestry acquired from Knighton Trucks.

November 2004 Opening of Specialist Centre at Unit 5, Trafford Park.

February 2005 Opening of depot at Moss Lane, Macclesfield.

In 2006, the facilities at Trafford Park were further enhanced by the addition of a dedicated MOT lane, improved customer parking and a vehicle wash pit.  Substantial investments have also been made in computer systems, workshop equipment and training to ensure the highest quality of work is maintained at each of its depots.

Although the last 12 months trading have proved very challenging, the Company has maintained its infrastructure investment.  A new vehicle wash facility has just been completed at Stoke and plans are currently being made for a major refurbishment of its original premises at Stakehill, Middleton.  New training courses have been introduced for parts, sales and service staff alongside ongoing technical training and product updates.

As a result of its successful development over the last 25 years, West Pennine Trucks now has first class facilities in strategic locations throughout its franchise territory, experienced and well-trained staff at all levels, customer focused managers and a loyal customer base.

Managing Director, Andrew Ward is confident of future business prospects and comments “Providing we continue to provide the high quality and cost effective customer service upon which we have built our reputation, we can look forward to the next 25 years as a Scania dealer with every confidence”.