Somerset-based Mercedes-Benz operators are to benefit from a newly opened servicing facility in Taunton, thanks to a £1 million investment.

Mercedes-Benz South West responded to reported “soaring demand” from customers from manufacturer approved aftersales support.

The new centre incorporates six bays with ramps – one of which has a 6.5-tonne capacity – as well as an MoT lane for testing vehicles in the Class 4, 5 and 7 categories. It also serves as a base for a fully-equipped Mercedes-Benz Service 24h Sprinter.

Mercedes-Benz Taunton’s general manager Martin Green said: “As a result, whereas not so long ago we were selling between £1,500 and £2,000 worth of commercial vehicle labour hours a month, today the figure is approaching £10,000. That’s a five-fold increase which has necessitated some significant investments to ensure that we continue to meet, and indeed exceed, our customers’ expectations.

“We’re committed at Mercedes-Benz South West to a strategy of ‘growing our own’,” he added. “We’ll therefore be looking to recruit an additional apprentice this summer, who will be based at the new van centre.”

Mercedes-Benz South West has recruited three additional technicians for its latest workshop, while another new member of staff is working in a ‘front of house’ role.

The operation is overseen on a daily basis by long-serving Chris Lloyd, a service team leader, with support from Taunton service manager Vince Ewing.

After converting an existing building, it also opened a new light commercial vehicle centre in Exeter in March. This, together with the Taunton development, now complements its established van service centres in Plymouth and Truro.  

Green said: “It means we’re able to offer quicker turnaround times on van servicing and repairs, as well as MoT tests.

"What’s more, because of the extra space that’s now available we can support the workshop with a broader range of light commercial vehicle parts.

"Car customers are benefiting, too, as its opening has relieved pressure on our main service facility.”  

Pictured: (L) Larry Taylor LCV group operations manager, Martin Green Taunton general manager and Graham Small aftersales director.