It has converted a site, which was formerly home to a luxury yacht business, into its first Sandown Van Centre, dedicated to the maintenance and repair of the German premium brand’s light commercial vehicles.
With six ramps installed and space for more, plus an alignment bay and MOT lane for Class 4 and Class 7 category vehicles, Sandown Van Centre in Poole can tackle customers’ maintenance requirements while they wait or it can offer drop and go plus collection and delivery services.
The workshop fills a gap left after Marshall Motor Holdings closed its Mercedes-Benz Truck & Van Poole business in late 2020 to concentrate business at its Mercedes-Benz of Southampton dealership.
“This is an exciting opportunity, and we are determined to exceed the expectations of the customers we are privileged to be serving.”
It serves a territory spanning from Amesbury to Yeovil and Southampton.
In line with Mercedes-Benz Vans’ ‘Keeping businesses moving’ pledge, the retailer’s team also provide free MobiloVan emergency roadside assistance to drivers encountering issues with their vehicles while travelling in the region.
Sandown has already recruited half a dozen technicians and its van workshop is open from 8am until 6.30pm on weekdays, and until 1pm Saturdays.
However, the company plans at the earliest opportunity to extend hours of operation into the evenings by introducing a split-shift system with up to 16 technicians.
Ultimately, the new centre could create up to 30 jobs, said the company.
Charlie Charman (pictured), head of aftersales at Sandown, said: “There was huge demand for a Mercedes-Benz aftersales provider in Poole, and we were perfectly placed to deliver a convenient and high-quality service built on dedication and professionalism.