UK’s most advanced, purpose-built, eco-friendly repair operation

The launch of a new £5 million second-site extension to Sapphire Garage’s Manchester auto repair operation is adding a new eco-friendly image to the 25 year-old business.

Features such as the environment-conscious heating system … lighting that automatically dims according to natural light … recycling facilities … the latest energy efficient spray ovens … and sophisticated sensor-controlled dust extraction system … are all part of a deliberate policy of using ecological technology.

It sits alongside the installation of laser and high-tech repair equipment for aluminium boron steel, 3-dimensional visual wheel alignment and perfect colour-match paint technology.

“We believe in efficiency, not waste, so our stand on environmental issues is a matter of routine,” says managing director Tony Arnone - who jointly owns the business with his wife Paula.

MOST ADVANCED

The new three-acre state-of-the-art bodyshop, beside the A62 two miles to the east of Manchester city centre, is less than four miles away from Sapphire’s original two-acre sister site.

With a contemporary steel clad building, big enough to house a football pitch, and parking outside for 300 vehicles, it adds up to one of the largest, most advanced, purpose-built vehicle accident repair operations in the country.

Both sites deal with walk-in retail customers, corporate and insurance business, have PAS 125 BSI kitemark as well as ISO 9001:2008 accreditation and handle a total average of 120 repairs per week.

They deliver a combined 80,000 square feet of workspace with 140 working bays, four recovery vehicles, seven body jigs and nine spray booths - including two commercial booths for high vehicles. There are 70 available courtesy cars. And the staff of 67 includes an onsite glass specialist - so no work is sub-contracted out.

SILVER JUBILEE

Sapphire Garage’s original site started 25 years ago as a small trading estate unit - but it grew to occupy the whole two acre estate and the premises became more stylish than many a dealership showroom.

In its Silver Jubilee year the highly-ranked, independently owned business is now Alfa Romeo, Fiat and Renault-approved and has a string of national ‘best repairer’ and ‘best value’ industry awards.

“Manchester has literally hundreds of back street garages,” says Tony Arnone, “but you can count on one hand the ones that are serious about body repair.

“Sapphire is proud of lifting public perception of our industry in this city. We cater for people who care about their vehicles. That’s why we are committed to excellence and regular update training to ensures that our professional specialists stay the best in their field.”