Unlock Greater Potential with Blakedale's Chorley Expansion
Expanding IPV Production and Repair Capacity
Blakedale's capacity has witnessed a remarkable increase. It has gone from producing two IPVs per month to eight, thanks to the expansion of four vehicle build bays and the addition of an additional repair facility. A dedicated parts store has been built, and a new HGV inspection pit and vehicle lifts have been installed. This expansion allows the company to meet the growing demand for IPVs and provide more efficient service.The company now has the capability to handle a wide range of vehicles, from 3.5-tonne traffic management spec dropsides and LP13 vehicles to 18-tonne IPVs. With this expanded capacity, Blakedale is well-positioned to serve a diverse customer base and contribute to the transportation industry.Growing the Bodybuilder Network
To coincide with the investment in Chorley, Blakedale has grown its bodybuilder network to five partners. This expansion enables the company to build, service, and repair a greater number and variety of vehicles. By collaborating with multiple bodybuilders, Blakedale can offer customized solutions to meet the specific needs of its customers.The increased network also provides Blakedale with the flexibility to handle different types of projects and ensure timely delivery of vehicles. It strengthens the company's position in the market and allows it to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving industry.Setting up a Dedicated Assembly Area
The expansion at Chorley has enabled Blakedale to set up a dedicated area for assembling 10,000 road marker posts each year. These posts include snow poles and bollards, which are produced on behalf of local authorities and highways construction companies. The dedicated assembly area ensures efficient production and quality control, allowing Blakedale to meet the demands of its customers in a timely manner.This initiative not only adds to Blakedale's product portfolio but also demonstrates the company's commitment to providing comprehensive solutions for the transportation and infrastructure sectors.Investing in People
Blakedale continues to invest in its people to support the expansion. Tony Richards has joined the team as the head of fleet and operations, overseeing fleet repairs and the vehicle order and build schedule. With his extensive experience from Northgate, where he held various senior branch management roles for the past eight years, Tony is well-equipped to lead the fleet operations at Blakedale.Ellie Kempson has been appointed as the business development manager (South), as Blakedale continues to increase its customer base. Ellie brings a wealth of traffic management experience, which will be valuable in expanding the company's reach and customer relationships.Looking to the Future
Blakedale is also looking to invest in additional mobile technician capability to service the increased demand for on-site specialist repairs nationwide. This move will enhance the company's ability to provide timely and efficient service to its customers, regardless of their location.Meanwhile, MD Jon Taylor has begun a search for a southern HQ to grow its traffic management vehicle build, service, and repair capabilities. This strategic move will allow Blakedale to expand its operations in the south and tap into new markets."The investment in Chorley will help increase capacity across all areas - from new vehicle production to vehicle servicing and repair. The increased production space also means we have been able to improve workflow and processes, which will lead to further efficiencies across all areas of the business," explained Jon Taylor, Blakedale's MD."We have a strong order book in place, and we are well placed to help support the industry with a one-stop shop for specialist vehicles, products, and repairs. In 2025, we will also turn our attention to growing our footprint in the south where we already have several customers," he added.Unlock Savings and Convenience with Proton's ProCare Smart Plan
Models Covered
The PSP is currently available for three popular Proton models - the Saga, X90, and X70. These models have gained significant popularity among Malaysian car enthusiasts due to their performance and affordability. With the PSP, owners can enjoy hassle-free vehicle maintenance.
Whether it's routine servicing or unexpected repairs, Proton's authorized 3S and 4S service centers will take care of it all. Trained technicians will use genuine Proton parts to ensure the highest quality of service.
Package Options
For new car buyers, the PSP offers a choice between three-year and five-year packages. These prepaid plans provide capped running costs, giving owners peace of mind and allowing them to better manage their budgets.
Existing Proton owners also have options with similar prepaid service packages available for vehicles already on the road. These plans are limited to two-year intervals and offer savings of up to RM350, depending on the model.
Savings
One of the key advantages of the PSP is the potential for significant savings. Depending on the model, new car owners can save up to RM670 over the duration of the package. This savings is achieved through efficient service management and the use of genuine parts.
For existing car owners, the savings may be slightly lower at up to RM350, but every little bit counts. These savings can be used for other expenses or to upgrade their vehicles in the future.
Service Locations
All services under the PSP will be conducted at Proton's authorized 3S and 4S service centers. These centers are equipped with the latest tools and technology to provide efficient and reliable service. Owners can trust that their vehicles are in good hands.
The availability of these service locations also ensures that owners have easy access to maintenance services, regardless of their location in Malaysia.
Parts Used
Genuine Proton parts are used in all services under the PSP. These parts are designed specifically for Proton vehicles and ensure optimal performance and durability. By using genuine parts, Proton guarantees the quality and reliability of their services.
Owners can have peace of mind knowing that their vehicles are being maintained with the highest quality parts available.
Key Benefits
The PSP offers several key benefits to vehicle owners. One of the main benefits is the capped maintenance costs, which allows owners to budget effectively and avoid unexpected expenses.
Compared to regular service packages, the PSP offers savings of up to 15%. This savings can be significant over the long term and helps to increase the retained value of the vehicle.
Another important benefit is the transferability of the remaining benefits if the car is sold while the PSP is still active. This provides added value to the vehicle and makes it more attractive to potential buyers.
Financing Options
Proton has introduced flexible financing options to make the PSP more accessible to customers. The Fixed Payment Plan (FPP) allows payments to be spread over 24 months through the Affin Avance Proton credit card.
Customers can also opt for an installment plan via Direct Lending, a Shariah-compliant digital lending platform. Monthly repayments can be up to 12 months, depending on the customer's needs and financial situation.
These financing options provide convenience and flexibility, allowing customers to purchase the PSP without having to pay the full amount upfront.
Additional Benefits
The PSP also enhances the vehicle resale value by maintaining service records. This is an important factor for potential buyers as it shows that the vehicle has been well maintained and cared for.
By choosing the PSP, owners can enjoy the added benefits of a comprehensive vehicle maintenance package and a reliable after-sales service network.
According to Edmund Lim, Vice President of Sales and After Sales at Proton Edar, "Proton remains focused on making improvements to the product and services offering to our customers, and the ProCare Smart Plan is the latest example of these efforts. It combines industry-leading levels of after-sales service at Proton outlets with peace of mind for the customer, knowing that scheduled maintenance costs for their vehicles are capped for the next three or five years. This not only assists in better budget management but also helps to increase the retained value of the vehicle."The PSP aims to address the rising costs of vehicle ownership while providing convenience and flexibility for Proton customers. Whether through transferable benefits, flexible financing, or savings on service costs, the package underscores Proton's effort to stay competitive in after-sales services.