When Noel Harper, who heads up Auto Care Ocean Grove, looked to expand his family-owned business of 30-plus years, he only had to look around the corner to find the perfect new spot.
Well-known locals, Laurie and Sylvia Flanagan, who have operated their successful Ocean Grove workshop, All Makes Automotive, also for 30-plus years, had decided it was time to retire. This proved to be good timing for Noel and his team.
“We were fast growing out of our small workshop, so when we learned of Laurie and Sylvia’s retirement, it fitted our plans perfectly,” Noel says.
“Not only will the move (which will take place on April 20) allow us to expand our services, but it will also mean we keep another local family business in the area.
“We are very happy to be taking on Laurie’s two expert mechanics and welcoming them into our team. We’re all about local, so even though we operate under the Repco brand, our focus, as a family-owned business, is to maintain our reputation by providing good, old-fashioned customer service for our locals.
Noel’s daughter and office manager Emma, says it’s not just their valued local customers who support the business.
“We have families from all over the place who come for their holiday breaks and bring their vehicles in for a service when they’re in town,” Emma says. “It’s a tribute to the trusted workmanship of our mechanics, our customers from near and far keep coming back year after year.
Although a local independent family-owned business, as a Repco-authorised service centre Auto Care Ocean Grove is backed by the biggest name, with the largest network of mechanical workshops in Australia.
“That means,” says Noel, “we have access to the best parts, and the best training in the country, as well as offer a Nationwide Warranty. And our Repco Auto Tech program ensures technicians are kept right up-to-date with the latest methods.”
The workshop carries out a wide range of services and repairs, from new car log book servicing, diagnostics, auto electrical, tyres, windscreens and diesel repairs – among many others.
As part of their customer-first approach, a courtesy pick-up and drop-off service is available within the Bellarine region. Book online for a service or give Emma and the team a call.
Auto Care Ocean Grove, 13-15 Sinclair Street, Ocean Grove. Opens 8am-5pm Monday-Friday. Inquiries: 5255 1045 or www.autocareoceangrove.com.au
