MAJOR garage chain ATS Euromaster has begun the mass cull of 86 of its branches across Britain – putting some 400 jobs at risk.
Back in February, the British firm revealed it had earmarked a number of its service centres for closure, according to Fleet News – blaming overcapacity, increasing costs and sluggish growth.
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Now, outlets across the country are shutting their doors for good, with confirmed closures in Devon and Cornwall at centres in Plymouth, Exeter and Newton Abbot.
Other closures across the UK have also been reported in Brecon, Macclesfield and Carlisle, as well as in Horsham, Worthing, Crawley, Poole and Lymington.
What’s more,Google lists retailers in Dartford and Bexleyheath as permanently closed, too.
The company, which is owned by Michelin, recently said the move was part of a wider review of its operating model.
Up to 400 employees could be impacted.
However, numerous news sources have also revealed Halfords, one of ATS Euromaster’s long-time rivals, have begun offering interviews to members of staff affected by the closures across the multiple locations.
In a statement, an ATS spokesperson said: “In a UK automotive aftermarket context of overcapacity, increasing costs and sluggish activity and growth.
“ATS Euromaster intends to review its current operating model and has put in place a proposal to close non profitable service centres.
“Employees impacted by this proposal are under consultation.
“In the meantime, our priority is to provide them with the best level of support as possible.”
“This decision will not impact the high quality of services that we offer to our customers,” the statement added.
“We intend that it enables us to concentrate our efforts on strategic levels for sustainable development, including services around ATS mobile capabilities and the shaping of a franchise model already successfully developed in several countries.”
Before the closures, ATS Euromaster operated over 235 locations across the country.
Sun Motors has reached out to ATS for a full list of affected branches.
We have also contacted Halfords for a comment.
