Maidstone is now set to become home to the first of a new generation of purpose-built drive-through Scania dealerships.
Based upon a model developed in collaboration with Scania Sweden, the 2.5 acre site represents a total investment of £6m. Building work is now underway following the granting of planning consent last December. To be constructed to the same exacting specification as a near-identical Scania location opened in Brussels recently, Scania Maidstone will be equipped with a full range of leading-edge technological and environmental features.
Situated on the A229 just off junction 6 of the M20, the site will provide an extensive range of services for truck, bus and coach operators in the South East, including commercial traffic entering and leaving the UK by way of the Kent ports and the Channel Tunnel. Importantly, the planning consent allows free movement of vehicles at all times, thus enabling 24-hour operation.
“From exceptional working conditions to the very latest specialist tools and diagnostic equipment to automatic lighting, an in-house recycling station, a sustainable water drainage system and photo voltaic roof panels, this site will have it all,” comments Adrian Inscoe, Regional Executive Director for Scania’s South East region. “In designing the premises, we have worked in close conjunction with our Swedish colleagues and our property developer, the Gallagher Group, which will also be constructing the facility. We are now very much looking forward to commencing the building work and then going on to deliver the very best possible service to all transport operators in the South East.”
Scheduled to open in January 2016, the new Scania Maidstone premises will feature five drive-through workshop bays and a DVSA Authorised Testing Facility (ATF) lane. A full Scania parts service, including parts for all makes, trailers and ancillary components will be offered as the site will house both new and used truck sales operations and a location for Scania Truck Rental. Initially, Scania Maidstone will provide employment for a total of 34 Technicians, Parts and Admin staff, a figure which is anticipated to rise significantly as the branch establishes itself in the area.
Nick Yandle, Gallagher Chief Executive, says, “This is an exceptionally well located site and we are delighted that its potential is to be fulfilled by a business of the standing of Scania. The facility is well designed and will be built to a quality benefitting Scania’s long term commitment to the Maidstone economy.”
