LEADING car body repair company The Karl Vella Group has announced a £250,000 boost including new jobs and ‘green’ investment despite the tough economic climate.
New roles, including apprenticeships, are being created this year as the Group continues to grow. New energy efficient lighting and hi-tech flooring is also being installed in a bid to cut carbon emissions and lower overheads such as utility bills at the same time. This was made possible thanks to a loan by the Carbon Trust.
The improvements will take place at the Group’s headquarters on Gillibrands Industrial Estate, Skelmersdale, as well as at its bodyshops in Preston, Blackburn and Southport.
David Vella, Group Operations Director, said: “This is great news and demonstrates our commitment to the area in what is now our 25th year in business.
“We’ve already taken on new staff and this autumn we will also be taking on body repair apprentices – something which is important to us as we’ve always found it important to have a highly skilled workforce.
“We’ve teamed up with the Carbon Trust to install sustainable, energy efficient lighting and hi-tech ergonomic flooring. This will enable us to cut our carbon footprint and reduce our fuel bills at the same time. This is an important step as over the past five years, our gas bills have doubled, so any money we save enables us to continue investing in future jobs and new equipment.
“It is a tough economic climate at the moment but by investing, we are able to stay at the forefront of our industry.
“We are committed to the communities we work in and are focused on investing in, recruiting and retaining skilled people to ensure we are sustainable.”
The Karl Vella Group was started by Karl Vella MBE in 1986 with just one apprentice and a bodyshop in Cemetery Road, Southport. The Group now employs almost 200 people over five sites in Skelmersdale, Blackburn, Southport, Barrow and Preston. Last year the group recorded a turnover of £10 million.
To celebrate 25 years in business, the Karl Vella Group is planning a series of events including an Open Day at its West Lancashire HQ and a Charity Golf Day at Formby Hall in summer.
During the past 25 years, Group owner Karl Vella MBE has picked up a string of accolades. In the 2007 Queen’s Birthday Honours List he was awarded his MBE. This was presented to him by HRH Princess Anne during the ceremony held at Buckingham Palace.
In 2007/8, he was presented with the I.M.I Motor Industry Achiever Award. At around the same time, he became a Graduate of the City & Guilds. In 2010, he was honoured by HRH Prince Philip who presented him with a medal for excellence at a glittering luncheon ceremony held at The Ritz in London.