Imperial Commercials invests £1.6m in new Frome dealership

Imperial Commercials, one of the country’s leading commercial vehicle dealer groups, is investing over £1.6 million in a new, purpose-built dealership at Frome in Somerset. Construction has already started on the two acre, freehold site with completion scheduled for August this year. This new Imperial Commercials dealership will sell new DAF trucks and Fiat vans and service all makes of commercial vehicles over extended operating hours.

Located on the aptly-named Imperial Way, on Commerce Park – a new 64 acre business park just off the A361 Frome bypass – the new dealership will include seven, 20 metre workshop bays with HGV brake testing; a VDO Siemens digital and analogue tachograph centre; automated class four, five and seven MOT testing; an enclosed vehicle valeting area; parts warehousing; and open plan customer-facing areas. The buildings will provide 10,200 sq. ft. of floor space while outside, there will be 24 long vehicle parking bays as well as ample visitor and staff parking.

Imperial Commercials is already well-established in Frome and the south west area, and this new development will replace the company’s existing facilities in Frome and Westbury. David Lewis, Imperial Commercials’ regional director explains:

“We have a very strong customer base in the area, but this substantial investment in new facilities will enable us to provide an even better service while giving us the opportunity to reach out to new customers in the region. It also means that our employees – who will all transfer to the new dealership – will enjoy outstanding working conditions, which will aid recruitment and staff retention. Following this we will be looking at further developments in Avonmouth and other areas.”

In addition to sales of new commercial vehicles, Imperial Commercials Frome will offer finance and lease options; contract hire; all-makes of truck and van servicing and repairs; MOT testing; and all-makes of CV and trailer parts supply.

Since joining the South African Imperial Holdings Group last year, the UK company has clearly signalled its intentions of supporting local truck operators.

“In less than a year, Imperial Commercials has purchased an additional dealership on Deeside near Chester, added the fast growing Hino franchise in several locations, and has now made this big investment in the Frome area,” said managing director, Ian Oakes. “We are actively looking to expand and develop the business with a commitment to operate sites where truck operators most need the support.”

Imperial Commercials sells around 2,300 new trucks and 1,500 new vans a year through 24dealership locations. The company has franchise partnerships with DAF Trucks, Hino, Isuzu Trucks, MAN ERF, Renault Trucks and LDV and Fiat vans.

Offering a wide range of solutions to meet truck and van users’ operational needs, Imperial Commercials’ annual turnover is around £200 million, employing over 1,000 people including 60 craft apprentices.