Autoglass branch returns to Redditch after 20 years
Windscreen repair giant Autoglass has returned to Redditch in Worcestershire after a gap of two decades, aided by commercial property agents John Truslove.
The latter worked with Alps Group - acquiring agents for Belron UK Ltd t/a Autoglass and Laddaw - to secure a 10-year lease on a unit at the Enfield industrial estate - a newly developed 3,300 sq ft factory/warehouse.
READ MORE: Strong performance revealed at Redditch manufacturing business
Regional manager Ryan Edwards, who heads up the the new Redditch branch, said: "When I started with the firm in the mid-1990s we were based in Redditch, in another unit on the Enfield Industrial Estate.
"The new branch has four bays, and we are probably fitting 15 to 20 windscreens a day. We have eight technicians based at the branch – all former mobile technicians who live locally and are now enjoying a different working life.
"We chose our branch site so we are only 20-30 minutes driving time from our local customer base, and we are already seeing an 88% satisfaction rating for our work at Redditch. The more branches we open, the more convenient it will be for customers.
The rise in Advanced Driver Assistance Systems – ADAS – such as autonomous emergency braking and lane keeping technology means windscreen replacement now often involves recalibration of sensors behind the windscreen work which has to be done in a controlled environment.
"Windscreen technology is continually advancing and improving, so members of our team are constantly undergoing training to maintain our high standards," said Edwards.
"The NCAP safety ratings of new cars requires at least two ADAS systems to be fitted, such as collision avoidance, parking sensors and blind spot detection.
"Most of these systems work through sensors in windscreens and this is only going to increase in the coming years."
Autoglass opened 22 new sites across the UK last year - 15 moves to bigger premises and seven brand new branches. So far in 2024, it has opened seven new branches and relocated three - including Redditch.
Ian Parker, joint managing director at John Truslove, said: “We are delighted to have been able to play a part in bringing a branch of Autoglass back to Redditch.
"It is a highly satisfactory deal for our landlord client, with a nationally-renowned business as its new tenant. It also highlights the quality of these new factory/warehouse units on the Enfield Industrial Estate.
"They have been built to high standards that meet the needs of a famous brand on the cutting edge of vehicle technology."
