Vauxhall dealer group Wilson & Co has joined its Bolton bodyshop to the Fix Auto crash repair network.

The centre, now operating as Fix Auto Bolton, is currently undergoing a major redevelopment as part of a £1.5 million investment programme spanning the three-acre new and used Vauxhall car dealership.

The group also includes main Vauxhall dealerships in Chorley, Scunthorpe and Grimsby along with a Kia dealership in Boston.

The bodyshop is situated on Manchester Road, Bolton, and will complement the region’s established Fix Auto UK centres: Fix Auto Blackburn, Blackpool and Fylde, Manchester East, Northwich and Rochdale.

Bodyshop manager Kevin Simpson, who took over running the Vauxhall-approved centre 18 months ago, currently heads a team of five productives and a receptionist, who ensure around 120 vehicles a month are repaired.

As part of the on-going major overhaul of the site, the investment will see the complete re-development of the bodyshop and will include new offices. Plans are also in place to further strengthen the workforce.

Simpson said: “Since taking over the day-to-day running of the bodyshop my objective has been to elevate the business into one of the region’s leading bodyshops, and being part of the Fix Auto UK network is integral to those plans. As part of our decision-making process I visited Fix Auto Manchester East and, quite frankly, I liked what I saw and heard about the network.”

He added: “I am extremely fortunate to have a great team around me along with a business owner willing to support every move I make in order to drive the business forward. While time and money is being invested in transforming our facilities and buying the latest equipment, it is imperative to have the very latest working practices firmly in place. I believe Fix Auto UK will assist in that area.