The latest Department for Transport statistics for the period ending 30 September 2020 show 4.34 million light goods vehicles with a gross weight up to 3.5t were licensed in the UK, a mass that has risen continuously, and by 300,000, since 2017.
The new 8,000 ft² site on the Lodge Farm Industrial Estate becomes the third new branch to be opened by the company in the last three years and will create up to 10 new local jobs, with plans to expand the team further as demand continues to grow.
C&C Vehicle Services has invested more than £100,000 to equip the site with 12 working areas to handle everything from minor repairs to major accident damage.
On-site facilities include two spray booths, specialist jigs for chassis realignment, calibration equipment and vehicle ramps. It also offers an electric vehicle charging point, as well as the specialist equipment required to carry out repairs on electric vans – expected to become increasingly popular as businesses focus on reducing carbon emissions.
The new facility follows the opening of a similar size branch in Chesterfield in summer 2019, with both locations supported by larger operations in Oldham and Wolverhampton.
Northampton and Chesterfield are predominantly focused on light commercial vehicle and truck repairs, with larger assets such as buses, coaches and trailers typically being transferred to one of the larger hub facilities.
Located close to junction 15A of the M1, the Northampton site is being run by Chris Johnston, General Manager, who has more than 30 years’ experience of running vehicle bodyshops.
Mark Newnes, managing director of C&C Vehicle Services adds: “The demand from customers right now is huge. Home delivery operations are under immense pressure, and fleets want accident-damaged vans turned around in double quick time. I’ve never known a time like it in the industry.”