A NEW Mercedes-Benz van repair centre has opened its doors in Poole and could create up to 30 jobs.
Sandown Van Centre, located just off the main A3049 on Vantage Way in Mannings Heath, is dedicated to maintaining and repairing vans from the Mercedes-Benz range.
Sandown has already recruited half a dozen technicians and its van workshop is open from 8am until 6.30pm on weekdays, and until 1pm Saturdays.
The company said it plans at the earliest opportunity to extend hours of operation into the evenings by introducing a split-shift system with up to 16 technicians and ultimately the new centre could create up to 30 jobs.
Managing director Gavin McAllister said: “Our new van centre demonstrates Sandown’s sincere commitment to growth and investment in the powerful Mercedes-Benz brands. This is an exciting opportunity, and we are determined to exceed the expectations of the customers we are privileged to be serving.”
Developed on a site used previously by a luxury yacht business, the 12,000 sq ft building comprises a state-of-the-art workshop with six ramps and space for two more should they be required.
There is an alignment bay for specialist work on suspension geometry, and an MOT lane in which tests on Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Vito and Citan models in the Class 4 and 7 categories are carried out.
Meanwhile, for customers, there’s WiFi access, LED screens, and ‘bean-to-cup’ coffee and other refreshments with ‘drop and go’ and collection and delivery services for those unable to get to the site.
The new site marks a first venture into the light commercial vehicle arena by the Sandown Group, which has been serving Mercedes-Benz Passenger car customers for more than 40 years.
The group has a total of nine retail outlets across Berkshire, Dorset, Hampshire, Surrey and Wiltshire.
Charlie Charman, head of aftersales at Sandown, said: “There was huge demand for a Mercedes-Benz aftersales provider in Poole, and we were perfectly placed to deliver a convenient and high-quality service built on dedication and professionalism.
“The new team are relishing the opportunities they now have to welcome van customers to our exemplary facilities and treat them to experiences they might have expected to receive from a Mercedes-Benz Passenger Car Retailer.”
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