Welsh workshop secures future with property purchase

A family-owned vehicle workshop in Wales has ensured its long-term future by acquiring its own premises, safeguarding jobs and enabling expansion after more than three decades of local service. Motomec Aberdare Ltd bought its trading property in Aberdare through a six-figure loan from the Development Bank of Wales’ Wales Flexible Investment Fund, a Welsh Government-backed initiative providing loans up to £10 million with repayment terms extending to 15 years.

The acquisition follows a 2022 management buyout led by directors Alex Sage and Carl Adams, who began their careers at the business as apprentices before succeeding founder Eddie Hawkins, who launched Motomec in 1987. The buyout preserved Welsh ownership and allowed the company to reinvest profits, boosting turnover and profitability while retaining a loyal customer base across the Cynon Valley region and beyond.

Motomec handles maintenance for both private clients and major organizations, including Tesco, BT, Co-op Funeralcare, and the RAC. Owning the property eliminates rental costs and provides operational stability, creating a stronger foundation for future growth. The purchase also followed a succession plan supported by the Development Bank, which prevented potential closure when Hawkins retired.

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Since taking over, Sage and Adams have strengthened the company’s financial position to support long-term development, ensuring continued stability as a local employer. Sage described the deal as a “major milestone,” emphasizing the Development Bank’s role as critical to the purchase.

The Wales Flexible Investment Fund, funded by the Welsh Government, offers loans, mezzanine finance, and equity investments to Welsh businesses. Its flexible terms, ranging from £25,000 to £10 million, help companies like Motomec invest in stability and expansion.

For customers and staff, the move reduces operational risks. A business with half a century of community service now has a permanent base, freeing it from landlord dependencies and allowing Motomec to scale services without lease concerns. The stability also reassures contractors like Tesco and BT, who depend on reliable maintenance providers.