Coachbuilders relocates to East Kilbride
28 August 2008
It has been 25 successful years at its original home, but the time has come for the Arnold Clark coachbuilding division at Kilbirnie Street, Glasgow to move on to bigger and better things. From September 1st, the department will operate from the existing Arnold Clark Accident Repair Centre, on Hawbank Road in East Kilbride.
Whilst both sites will continue to operate as Accident Repair Centres, the new premises at East Kilbride will provide the coachbuilders with the extra space and facilities they require due to the recent expansion of this side of the Arnold Clark group.
The move from Kilbirnie Street will see the end of an era for coachbuilding at that location. The premises, which were upgraded from a C to a B listed building in 1986, were, according to Historic Scotland, purpose built for Wm Park motor car body builder in 1913. The building was modelled on Henry Ford's Highland Park factory, Detroit in the USA and is one of only three examples in the UK.
Although the building and its facilities is no longer fit for use as coachbuilders, it will continue to operate as an accident repair centre, providing excellent repair work for thousands of satisfied customers each year. Bill Stoddart, the Arnold Clark group bodyshop manager comments, "This is an exciting move for the Coachbuilding department of Arnold Clark. The premises in East Kilbride are ideal for coachbuilding and will provide the space and facilities the department require due to the rapid growth of this side of the business.
"It may bring an end to coachbuilding at Kilbirnie Street for Arnold Clark, but it is also the start of a new era. The Arnold Clark Accident Repair Centre currently based there will now occupy the whole area giving more space, allowing for more cars to be worked on."
The new coachbuilding facility at Hawbank Street will be state of the art, housing 35 bays, three ramps, two spraybake ovens and will have extensive customer parking.
With this expansion comes the creation of more jobs and Arnold Clark is always on the look out for enthusiastic, committed staff to join the team. Bill believes, "Every single person within the accident repair division takes great pride in the job they do. Whether the vehicle is a retail customers own car or whether it's part of a company fleet, we understand customers' needs and ensure that we get them back on the road."
Having worked with the company for more than 30 years and progressed successfully through the ranks himself, Bill continues, "The dynamic working environment and the current training programmes within Arnold Clark, aim to encourage new trainees and support internal promotion. The new coachbuilding facility in East Kilbride is looking for new staff to join its ever expanding team and I encourage those interested to contact our recruitment department on 0141 613 6050 for further information."
