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Huge blow as two go-to garages close as major network begins permanently shutting 86 branches

Huge blow as two go-to garages close as major network begins permanently shutting 86 branches

The Sun23-07-2025
A MAJOR company has shuttered two garages as part of its plan to cull 86 sites.
The huge company, which has 238 garages across the country, has been battling overcapacity and increased cost s.
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Two former ATS garages have hit the market, after the company shuttered both sites in Lancashire.
The garages in Blackburn and Colne have been closed as ATS Euromaster decreases its number of sites.
The brand is reducing its network of 238 garages down to just 151 - in a huge programme of closures involving 86 branches.
ATS Euromaster's Blackburn site on Pendle Street has been put on the market for £700,000.
The now vacant garage's listing states: "The property comprises of a detached steel framed industrial unit, configured as a seven bay fitting workshop with ancillary storage, reception, office, staff and customer WCs with tyre storage above the offices.
'Externally the unit has 12 marked car parking spaces with an additional two disabled spaces."
ATS Euromaster has confirmed that its other Lancashire branches in Accrington, Blackpool, Burnley, Preston and Leyland will not be affected.
Rumours had swirled that the Accrington branch would close, after Halfords said it was acting as an 'official partner' to the brand.
However, Michelin - ATS Euromaster's owner -has denied this.
A spokesperson for the company said: "Halfords have not been in discussions/agreements with ATS and we have not endorsed any of our competitors as official 'partners' with regards staff opportunities."
Nissan's gloomy future
Over 400 jobs are at risk in ATS Euromaster's cull of its branches which it has blamed on overcapacity, increased costs and sluggish growth.
Garages in Devon, Cornwall, Brecon, Macclesfield, Carlisle and a slew of others are slated to close.
In a statement, a spokesperson for ATS 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 some 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.
"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."
Reportedly, Halfords - one of ATS Euromaster's rivals - is offering jobs to people affected by the closures.
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