Black Country accident repair business charts growth
A BLACK Country-based accident repair firm is targeting fresh growth after celebrating its 15th anniversary.
BodyKraft, owned by Mike Pugh and Lorna Freeman, was formed in 1998 at its first premises on Pensnett Trading Estate. Today, the business is still family-owned and has seen growth by becoming an accredited repairer for major car manufacturers and both West Midlands and West Mercia police forces.
The company, which is now part-managed by Mr Pugh’s daughter Dawn Owen and Mrs Freeman’s son Tim, has grown into a business with sites in Dudley, Wolverhampton and Merry Hill employing a 70-strong team including mechanics, painters and valeters.
Mike Pugh, managing director, said: “Since setting up the company in 1998 it has grown steadily from just one site to three, which is a great achievement – especially in recent years.
“That success has partly been down to the good reputation we have built here but on the other side of the coin the business has thrived because of our long-term, loyal workforce. Their professionalism, talent and willingness to embrace the latest technology and learn new skills has helped us to thrive.”
Mr Pugh, who has more than 40 years in the accident repair sector, said the firm’s management team was currently working on a number of new ideas to expand the business into specialist areas within the next 12 months.
“The next challenge is to keep that pace going for the next 15 years by not only concentrating on our core accident repair business, but doing things differently, innovating and investing into the firm’s future,” he added.
Much of BodyKraft’s work involves full-on accident and business insurance repairs together with paint and dent removals. Over the years it has become a repair specialist for manufacturers including Vauxhall, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Kia, Citroen and Suzuki.
