Europe’s largest truck wash prepares to expand

A Cheshire truck wash specialist is preparing to expand to a bigger site as part of a £2.3m investment.

Lymm Truckwash is relocating to a new, purpose-built site just 100 metres from its current base at Lymm Services, near Warrington, this Autumn.

The move has been overseen by managing director Laura Cardwell, who acquired the 52-year-old family business in 2018 when her parents retired.

Lymm Truckwash boasts it is the largest and oldest truck wash in Europe.

Laura said: “This is an exciting move for our company. We’re investing £2.3m into the development of the new site to make sure we continue to provide the best possible service for our customers, who expect excellence.”

Founded in 1967, Lymm Truckwash washes more than 60,000 trucks a year for customers throughout the UK and across Europe, ranging from owner-drivers to major fleet operators such as BP, DHL and AW Jenkinson.

“When you look at the figures and see how many vehicles we wash, and the calibre and quantities of businesses who use us, it’s obvious we’re a crucial service. It is also a legal requirement for HGV’s to be clean, lights and number plates especially.” said Laura.

She added: “Companies have to keep their trucks clean, not only because they are mobile advertisements for themselves, but if they are not kept clean then the DVSA are more likely to pull a wagon over – if they are not keeping the vehicle clean, then what else are they not doing to ensure it’s safe running?”

The firm was founded by Laura’s parents, John and Anne Cardwell, in 1967, and has a dedicated team of staff who have been with the company for many years.

Laura said: “Being a woman in this sector has its advantages, and disadvantages.

“Like any industry, you feel you have to prove yourself more, and it’s hard juggling children, home and work.

“However, I think it is vital that women work to set an example to their children and the next generation – I thrive on the challenges of the work and family life balance, it is possible, you just have to be organised.”

Prior to becoming a director in the firm, Laura had been self-employed, working across a broad range of businesses.

Laura’s father approached her in 2009 to join the company: “I started at the bottom and worked my way up.”

She said the relocation will offer an even better experience for drivers thanks to the installation of state-of-the-art equipment and a point-of-sale system, at a more convenient site.

It will also secure the long-term future of the company’s staff and their families, she added.