Two new franchisees for Fix Auto in south Wales

Fix Auto UK continues its ‘Driving Forward’ growth strategy in South Wales following the appointment of two new franchisees.

Swansea-based TWK Thomas & Son - which has been established for more than 50 years - and Vehicle Body Services Direct of Aberdare have joined the network and will now operate as Fix Auto Swansea and Fix Auto Aberdare respectively.

The new Fix Auto Swansea repair centre is a 20,000 sq ft bodyshop with the capacity to repair 3,000 vehicles a year. 

Formed by Terry Thomas, his wife, Laureen, and his late father Will in 1967, it is now managed by his daughter, Marie, and her partner, Ross Batchelor.

The bodyshop sits in a four-acre site on the main A48 road, less than a mile from junction 44 of the M4 motorway and features four spraybooths. Expansion plans are in place to install two new ovens and to develop an express repair facility.

Fix Auto Aberdare was formed by Nick Martin five years ago after a 20-year career in the industry.  In January he expanded his business by moving into his current 14,000 sq ft bodyshop which has the capacity to repair more than 1,900 vehicles a year. The bodyshop sits just 10 miles from the towns of Pontypridd and Merthyr Tydfil.

Terry Thomas said: “Having served Swansea since the 1960’s it’s true to say we have an established reputation I’m extremely proud of.  

“We’re seizing a unique opportunity to join Fix Auto UK. The Industry has changed beyond all recognition in the last 50 years, therefore being part of a network is a great way to ensure that you continue to have a voice and a seat at the negotiating table.

“I have watched Fix Auto grow and mature with great interest and finally being part of the network provides me with confidence that I am future-proofing the business for the next generation.”

Nick Martin added: “Myself and the team here have worked tremendously hard to build the business up and we’re all driven to continually expand and develop it.

“The first major move for me was expanding into our new centre and now, I’m excited to say, I am seizing a great opportunity to join Fix Auto UK and become part of a national network.”

Ian Pugh of Fix Auto UK said: “I’m pleased and excited to say that we have been able to accelerate our growth in South Wales.  

“It is a reflection of the strength of the Fix Auto brand and model that we have like-minded entrepreneurs keen to join our network when a territory becomes available, and eager to adopt our operational processes and best practices.

“Terry and his team at Fix Auto Swansea have built up a strong local reputation over half a century which will undoubtedly add value to our brand, and they are eager to share their experiences with, and learn from other, Fix Auto franchisees.  

“In Fix Auto Aberdare, we have a highly driven and passionate owner-driver in Nick, who wants to continually develop his business and is keen to deliver best-in-class performance.  

“In essence, both have the perfect credentials for being a Fix Auto franchisee, and our team and network are looking forward to working with them.”

Caption: Fix Auto UK Business Development Manager Mark Hutchins (left) with new franchisee (from left) Terry and Marie Thomas and Ross Batchelor of TWK Thomas that will now operate as Fix Auto Swansea.