Work is underway on a new £500,000 service and repair centre for growing family-run firm Heathline Commercials Ltd.
The 6,000 sq. ft unit at Bolam Business Park in Cramlington, Northumberland, will allow it to significantly improve its facilities and range of services.
Heathline is due to move into the modern unit in December but will continue to operate a body repair shop from its current Station Road premises, less than a mile away.
The new unit will feature an Authorised Testing Facility (ATF), which will allow the company to undertake MoT testing on HGVs, trailers and public service vehicles once it has secured the necessary Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) approvals.
As part of the build, two modern workshop inspection pits will be created capable of accommodating a wide range of vehicles from HGVs and coaches to vans. It will also feature a dedicated paint bay.
The investment is part the company’s strategic long-term plan to expand its customer base and range of services.
Heathline Commercials Ltd, which has 10 employees, manages all servicing and repair requirements for individual owner drivers right up to medium-sized commercial fleets.
Supporting companies across Northumberland, Newcastle and North Tyneside, it also provides commercial MoT preparation and inspections to DVSA standard, breakdown services, minor body repairs and tachograph repairs and recalibration.
In addition, Heathline carries a wide range of spare parts for all makes of truck, trailer, bus, van or horse box.
Subsidiary HLC Accident Repair Centre provides accident repairs, re-sprays and wheel refurbishment for van and private car owners, together with classic vehicle restoration.
Both businesses offer a collection and delivery service of customer vehicles.
The business uses r2c programme software which ensures that Heathline efficiently manages the inspection and maintenance of customer vehicles, keeping documentation compliant and streamlining parts management.
Gavin Cape, Engineering Director of Healthline Commercials Ltd said: “Once completed, the new premises will provide our staff with a great working environment and ensures our customers continue to receive a competitive quality service.
“The investment means Heathline is able to incorporate the latest equipment and features whilst allowing sufficient space to allow the business to grow in the coming years.
“We have a team of highly trained and experienced technicians and this new facility will allow them to keep more vehicles on the road for longer – with the minimum of disruption to the businesses we serve.”