UP to 30 new jobs are set to be created after a Dorset motor group was named an authorised Mercedes van repairer.

Sandown, which already sells Mercedes vehicles in Poole, will open a second site for servicing, maintenance, MOTs and repairs on the Class 7 van range.

Around 30 jobs will eventually be created at the new site at Tower Park. The 12,000sqft facility on Mannings Heath Road will be refurbished to Mercedes-Benz Van Franchise Standards and is scheduled to open in September.

After sales manager Gordon Robertson will head the new centre, serving an area that extends northwards to Amesbury and from Yeovil in the west to Southampton.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming customers and treating them to the facilities and experience that they might expect to receive at a Mercedes-Benz car dealership,” he said.

“We are planning to recruit up to six technicians initially but with our focus on our customers, our aim is to increase to a 14 or 16-person team with a split shift system in place to meet the need to keep their businesses moving and their vans on the road with minimal downtime.

“In addition to our support for local owner-operators and large fleets, we will also provide a rapid response service for the manufacturer’s roadside assistance programme, MobiloVan, and will attend Mercedes-Benz van drivers should they encounter issues with their vehicle whilst travelling in this region.

“There is huge demand for a Mercedes-Benz van after sales provider in Poole and we’re convinced that we’re perfectly placed to provide a convenient and high quality customer experience built on dedicated and professional service.

“This development demonstrates Sandown’s sincere commitment to growth and investment in the powerful Mercedes-Benz brands. It is an exciting opportunity for which we are very grateful and we’re determined to exceed the service expectations of the customers we will be privileged to serve.”

The group says Sandown Vans Poole will have a six-ramp workshop with MOT test lane and geometry bay and will have the potential for two further ramps to be added. As a Mercedes-Benz Electric Van (EV) Centre, Sandown is investing in infrastructure to meet future demand for zero emissions motoring. Four AC charging stations will be available from opening with wiring installed for three more including a rapid DC point.

Sandown says customers will be able to wait in a comfortable reception area with Wi-Fi, LED screens, “bean to cup” coffee and other refreshments.