How Straightset modernised the Helensburgh Toyota workshop

The workshop required a complete makeover

How Straightset modernised the Helensburgh Toyota workshop

At the beginning of 2023, Toyota GB approached Straightset with a challenge. It needed to take an old but high-performing dealership in Scotland and completely overhaul its equipment and workshop space to create a service fit for the future.

Helensburgh has faithfully served the community for some 45 years. However, it was looking dated, with poor use of space, uneven floors and tired staff facilities. The time had come for a major makeover.

Straightset accepted the challenge to bring the site, which comprised of only one MOT bay and four service bays, completely up to date. It had to maximise the site’s capacity and bring it in line with Toyota’s new workshop standards.

Engaging the Straightset team

Impressed by positive referrals from other dealerships, the Helensburgh Toyota team met with Andrew Bates, Straightset’s sales director, who spearheaded the project from the start.

After a site visit in early 2023 to scope out the work, the comprehensive planning phase could begin. Given the workshop’s condition, Straightsets’ teams visionary approach was instrumental. The proposed innovative design alterations, including eliminating an outdated team room and implementing a new inner wall, would transform the workshop’s aesthetics.

Andrew said: “On meeting the owners and management of the dealership, it became very apparent that they were ready to embrace change and to gain the improvement in capacity that the garage needed.

“However, it would not be an easy or quick transformation; it entailed the workshop having to close for four months while the floors were replaced to allow two different floor levels to be merged into one. This was then topped with a fill-pour resin screed and a high build resin floor finish.”

Bringing design expertise and equipment recommendations

Straightset recommended Conren Resin Flooring for the work, which included layout markings for equipment placement that ensured enhanced safety and full compliance with Toyota GB’s new standards.

The following photo shows the Helensburgh Toyota’s workshop before the project started.

Securing business benefits

Straightset facilitated the complete integration of all essential workshop upgrades, which included seven new ramps, a connected MOT setup, and a specialised 4.5T 2-poster ramp, which is designed for use with heavy electric vehicles.

Completed with a drive-through wheel alignment checker, promised quick alignment checks for every incoming vehicle, potentially boosting alignment service sales. Additionally, relocating the compressor and oil tanks optimised space utilisation, created a clean and efficient workspace.

Straightset’s approach and achievements

The initial drawing proposal remained almost unchanged by the time of completion and incorporated a cost-effective blend of refitting existing and introducing new equipment.

It involved tearing out a tired staff kitchen and replacing with a new facility, external oil tanks and air compressor storage to maximise workshop space and reduce internal noise, reconfiguring the MOT bay to include wheel alignment capability, which in turn with a building works package greatly improved access into the workshop that was previously compromised by bad positioning.

New Straightset workstation cabinetry, upgraded vehicle lifts, pumped oil, compressed air, water and the inclusion of a Drive Thru Wheel alignment system in the doorway has truly turned this site from tired and dated to a sophisticated workshop to be proud of.

The new workshop officially opened on 13 December 2023 and after-sales manager Tim Roome at Helensburgh Toyota, said: “I would highly recommend Straightset, and trust in their vision. When it all began, we could not imagine the finished article, and it is through them we have realised this workshop.”

The new space not only enhances customer retention but it is a great working environment for Helensburgh Toyota’s staff. A modern space to work in helps encourage new technicians to join the company, while retaining skilled staff – securing the future of Helensburgh Toyota.

Helensburgh Toyota’s collaboration with Straightset resulted in a revitalised, cutting-edge workshop aligned with modern industry standards. Click here for further details on Straightset’s innovative workshop solutions.

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