Grimsby motorhome manufacturer Auto-Trail is going back to its roots as it launches a new restoration service.
The 40-year-old firm is marking the milestone by reintroducing what it was known for prior to the first builds.
When it launched into dedicated new vehicle production back in 1982, original owners Bill Boasman and Barry Holmes were providing caravanning repairs and conversions from their Immingham base. They ventured into coachbuilt motorhomes, initially on Manby Road, before a couple of buy-outs saw the latest chapter emerge at the state-of the-art facility at Europarc.
Read more: Motorhome sales pull back to near pre-pandemic levels for Auto-Trail
Auto-Trail Refresh will allow owners to return vehicles to the much expanded plant, where technicians will give a new lease of life to suit budgets and requirements.
Repair centre manager Clare Osborne said: “We are delighted to be able to help our customers with the launch of Auto-Trail Refresh and have already had lots of interest in the service. Over time, motorhomes lose their shine, get damaged and need a bit of TLC. By investing in the upkeep of your motorhome, you can prolong its lifespan and add to its value.”
The company showcased capabilities on a 2008 Apache owned by the Wises. Restoration work undertaken on the vehicle included damage repair, a paintwork refresh and a polish, and the couple were over the moon when they came to collect.
Mrs Wise said: “It is absolutely stunning. We brought it in to have some maintenance done on it and got offered this service. I would advise anybody to have it done because this looks like a new van. I am so impressed, I’m so pleased and I can’t thank them enough.”
Services available depend on the individual vehicle, age and condition.
Rescued out of the wider liquidation of the ABI firm in a management buy-out by Rob Gee and Stuart Turpin in the mid-90s, having been bought from the founders, Trigano Group soon swooped, and remains behind the firm now.
Results published in June outlined a £66 million turnover, back to pre-pandemic levels, with 200 people employed.
Read next:
Holiday homes giant Willerby back in growth as orders stack up to late 2024
£10m expansion unveiled for motorhome, caravan and camping specialist John Coopers
£3.5m spa addition reinvigorates regenerated Laceby Manor as it sets itself up as destination resort
Record sales for Atlas Leisure Homes as it invests big to meet increasing holiday lodge orders
All your Humber business news in one place - bookmark it now
