Sparshatts open Tonbridge depot

Mercedes-Benz dealer Sparshatts of Kent has spent £300,000 on a new aftersales facility in Tonbridge.

Sparshatts has moved into Tonbridge from its previous premises in Tunbridge Wells, inherited when it acquired the former Kent & Sussex Truck Centre six years ago.

Helen Jones, director, says Tonbridge is an ideal location for a commercial vehicle operation. “The town has a significant number of companies running trucks and vans, while for those customers coming in from further afield our new workshop is easily accessible.”

The former Post Office depot, on the Cannonbridge Industrial Estate, was in a dilapidated state and had stood empty for a year before Sparshatts took possession. Now, five months later, it is an eight-bay commercial vehicle workshop.

There is a 14-strong team of technicians – including two apprentices – as well as parts and administration staff offering maintenance and repair services, plus parts sales and deliveries.

Gary Wilson, service manager, says: “For customers who cannot afford to be without their vehicles during the day we offer night-time servicing at Tonbridge and are open on Saturday mornings too.

“We’re all delighted with the new premises. As well as being a smarter, more attractive facility for customers to visit, the depot is a much nicer place for our staff to work.”