A&R just keeps on trucking
SPECIALIST HGV repair and refurbishment firm A&R Vehicle Services Ltd is looking forward to a return to growth in 2010 following the appointment of a new managing director.
The business based in Wednesbury has appointed George Simpson as managing director to pursue a growth strategy for A & Rand its sister company, Yaxley Coachworks in Peterborough.
Simpson was previously commercial director of the business and Trevor Rushworth, who founded the firm in 1989 and was managing director until 2006, continues in his role as group chairman.
The £5.5m turnover business is planning to grow in 2010 and beyond following substantial funding of up to £3m over 20 years from the North Midlands corporate banking centre of The Co-operative Bank in Stafford.
The bank has provided funding for major projects including the acquisition of Yaxley Coachworks in 2004 and an extension of the Wednesbury premises of A & R Vehicle Services that now covers five acres.
A&R Vehicle Services operates as a specialist HGV body and trailer repair and paint spraying specialist while Yaxley refurbishes and paints the specialist transporters used by several Formula One motor racing teams.
A&R’s customers include all major insurance companies, many local authorities, all the major supermarket fleets and most of the logistics plcs in the FTSE 100 of Britain’s biggest listed businesses.
The business employs more than 100 staff across its two purpose-built sites.
Mr Rushworth said: “As for many businesses, 2009 proved to be very challenging but we have adjusted to market conditions and are looking forward to more settled and sustained periods of growth over the next two to three years.
“I feel that the level of support and commitment we receive from the bank cannot be underestimated – especially in what continue to be testing times – and is unmatched by any other corporate lender.”
