Unipart Automotive

Unipart Automotive expands into new showcase premises in Bicester

After over 20 years based in Cowley, Unipart Automotive (UA), the only national aftermarket parts distributors in the UK, is relocating its business to refurbished, modern, 3635m2 premises on Murdock Road in Bicester, the whole site is 7780m2.  The head office move will create a flagship regional distribution site and retail branch outlet for customers and suppliers from which 12 other UA branches will receive inventory support with multiple deliveries every day. Furthermore, it will generate 10 new roles in the warehouse and distribution operation.

Approximately 100 people from the head office areas, trading branch and regional call centre will be relocating to Bicester.  The premises provides excellent transport links within the Thames Valley region and Unipart Automotive is working to maximise the use of public transport as well as implementing car sharing and bike schemes to promote environmentally-aware travel options.

The light modern offices also provide employees with onsite parking, extended staff facilities such as showers and rest areas as well as being the largest distribution site for the group in the country.

The company is already engaging with other local businesses to explore opportunities for office support and employee facilities such as printing, facilities maintenance and gym membership, leading to new business for the local area.
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Andrew Jeffrey, marketing director for Unipart Automotive, says:  “These new premises are in the best location to enable Unipart Automotive to fulfil our strategic objectives of providing the largest distribution site and branch facility for our customers, suppliers and local branches.  The Unipart Group’s massive distribution centre based at Cowley will continue as the main logistics centre for Unipart Automotive nationwide.

“In September last year, H2 Equity Partners bought a 50.1% stake in UA, creating an independent business in which the Unipart Group still has a substantial share. It makes sense for us to develop our culture and infrastructure in an environment that brings the business functions together for the benefit of all our stakeholders.”

H2 Equity Partners has invested in more than 20 companies since 1991, with combined sales of one billion Euros.  It currently has circa 300 million Euros under management.  While the Unipart Group has a 49 per cent stake in Unipart Automotive, it now operates as a separate independent business from the group.

Andrew Jeffrey adds:  “This flagship distribution site will become the blueprint on which all other UA sites will be modelled ensuring the most efficient, reliable and rapid delivery of automotive aftermarket parts in the industry.”

For further information, please contact:
Victoria Blackman or Lynda Heath
Ash Communications
46 Bedford Row
London
WC1R 4LR
Tel: +44 (0)  20 7831 1954

E-mail  victoria@ashcommunications.com

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