A major provider of aftermarket parts for Japanese cars has announced ambitious expansion plans for its UK operation.

Wembley-based Comline has opened a new 9000sq ft warehouse, funded by a 50 per cent increase in turnover. Total storage space is now12,500sq ft with store staff up from three to eight and the telesales operation doubled to six people.

“Over the past three years, the Comline brands – CTL, Allied Nippon and Aisin – have made inroads in the UK aftermarket,” says company director Divyesh Kamdar. Increasing demand for Allied Nippon brake pads and discs as well as CTL filters has seen penetration increase with independent motor factor accounts doubling.

Kamdar says company turnover has increased from £4m to £6m as it grows its customer base to more than 200 motor factors and large distributors. He adds that the number of European distributors has quadrupled and Kamdar has plans to enlarge Comline's customer base in the north of England.