Multi-site motorhome dealer Brownhills has announced the closure of its Swindon dealership with a short statement on its website.
“It is with deep regret that due to the economic downturn and reduction in motorhome sales, Brownhills announce the immediate closure of our Swindon branch. Our remaining and sustainable dealerships at Newark, Preston and Durham continue to trade as normal.”
The statement goes on to say that: “Any customers with queries relating to ongoing dealings with Brownhills Swindon dealership should contact us here and a Head Office staff member will respond as soon as possible.”
We spoke to one of the Brownhills team, and learned the site closed last night (Monday 18 July). We asked if they would honour deposits already paid to the Swindon branch, and any warranty work for vehicles sold there, and they told us:
“Although we have announced the closure of our Swindon branch, the Brownhills Ltd company continues to trade as normal. All warranties and deposits will therefore be honoured.
“Any Swindon orders for vehicle sales will continue to be processed and our customers will have the option to either collect their vehicle from one of our other branches (Newark, Preston or Durham) or we will deliver the vehicle to them. All customers currently dealing with our Swindon branch are being contacted.”
Sadly, the closure of the Swindon branch means that 18 people will lose their jobs.
Brownhills opened the five-acre site in Swindon in 2005, taking its dealer network at the time up to six premises. It sold its Cannock site early in 2008, but shortly after, Brownhills went into administration.
Yorkshire businessman Tom Booth led a management buyout, but the firm later closed its Canterbury branch. The closure of the Swindon branch means Brownhills now operates three sites, in Newark, Preston and Durham.
