ASHFIELD Motors is selling its Ford sales operation at Bishopbriggs as
part of drastic surgery aimed at cutting overheads.
The company, run by Mr Thomas 'Mac' Robertson, will return to its
original core business of roadside recovery and repair workshops,
retaining the Metrocab taxi franchise and Bikeworld shop.
Mr Robertson became manager of the Ashfield group in October 1991, at
the request of the Clydesdale Bank, after the company ran into cash flow
problems. Last night he said: ''An asset sale is inevitable''.
He went on: ''We do not believe we can make an adequate return from
the Ford franchise on a 3[1/2]-acre site. To be blunt, it has taken me a
year to get to grips with what is happening to the business. One or two
people have already voiced an interest.''
Formerly chairman of the Laidlaws' Ford dealership, Mr Robertson said
he could not put a price on the assets. ''We have a business to sell
which holds a franchise. If someone gives us a price which satisfies us,
and Ford gives them the franchise, there is no problem.''
Mr Robertson said: ''Sadly, what I am doing is sorting a business out.
My nose, my eyes, and intellect take me along the route of slimming down
the company which tells me where the costs are and the profits ain't.''
The Ford retail outlet turned over 300 new and 500 used cars a year,
employing 40 people out of Ashfield's total workforce of between 120 and
130. Brothers George and Michael Facenna, whose family ran the company
until Mr Robertson took over control, continue as directors.
Remaining interests will be concentrated on the site at Auchinairn
Road, Bishopbriggs.
A spokesman at Ford's Edinburgh office said the company was keen to
maintain representation in the area, whether in the existing premises or
through a new franchise holder.
Ashfield, which has sold Ford cars for almost ten years, receives
supplies from main dealer Trust Motors. It emphasised that it will
continue to trade as a Ford dealer until the franchise is transferred in
the sale or a new outlet is found. Mr Roberston pledged that the Ford
dealership jobs would be protected.
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