Northgate Vehicle Hire has moved its Cork branch into the city, to cater for an increase in demand.

Northgate’s relocation from Ballytrasna, on Little Island, to the south of Cork demonstrates the company’s commitment to the local area, with plans in place to employ three additional team members from the local area by January 2014. Northgate also plans to double the initial 100-vehicle fleet based at the branch within just 12 months.

The new branch spans 4,500 sq. ft. and will offer capacity for 50 commercial vehicles on-site as well as valeting. The site will also provide Northgate with high visibility within the local area and an increased opportunity to service the vehicle needs of businesses, both large and small operating in and around Cork, with improved accessibility.

Peter Millen, general manager for Northgate’s Irish operation, said: “Cork is home to many international companies and a huge diversity of local businesses, including Pfizer, Novartis, GlaxoSmithKline, Eli Lily, Schering Plough, Apple Inc., Boston Scientific and Stryker, to name but a few. This, teamed with the area’s recovering economy and huge demand for flexible vehicle hire, provides Northgate with a unique commercial opportunity to service the needs of businesses operating in and around Cork. Our ambition, within the current economic client, is to grow our ability to provide flexible hire for companies in what can sometimes be an uncertain market place.”

Darren McNamara, branch manager for Northgate Cork, said: “We are now in a position to offer our low cost and low risk fleet solution to local businesses. Northgate is now also offering competitive short term rental to the general public and businesses with short term hire available from 49 Euros complete with full insurance.”

McNamara added: “The new branch is within just two miles of Cork International Airport, which is ideal for local companies that have international business links. Our new customer waiting area will also allow us to discuss fleet requirements with businesses, which will help us to tailor our flexible hire offering to meet their exact needs. We are extremely confident about the unique offering we can now provide and welcome companies of all sizes to visit our new branch to discuss their fleet needs.”