It is with great significance and respect that we announce the retirement of the van that acted as the catalyst for the success story of DA Techs, an esteemed Adlington-based business that has made a lasting impact in the automotive industry over the past seven years. The van, which served as the original source of inspiration for business partners Jamie Baxter and Phillip Barnard, will now take a well-deserved back seat after years of dedicated service.
Under the distinguished leadership of Business Development Director Jamie Baxter and Operations Director Phillip Barnard, DA Techs has experienced exponential growth. The concept of a mobile alloy repair van, formulated by Jamie during his tenure as a sales manager at BMW Bolton, has undeniably proven to be revolutionary. Leveraging his extensive experience in the automotive sector, Jamie identified the potential to transform the industry by equipping a van with a lightweight specialist wheel repair CNC lathe and providing a mobile diamond alloy repair service to car dealers.
The transition from concept to reality was not devoid of challenges. Extensive planning and meticulous attention to detail were devoted to customizing the Mercedes Sprinter van to accommodate essential equipment, including the diamond cutting lathe, spray booth, heat lamps, and extraction system. Despite the obstacles, the UK’s inaugural mobile diamond cut alloy wheel repair facility embarked on its journey in February 2017, heralding the commencement of an extraordinary venture.
From its modest origins, DA Techs has expanded its operations to encompass 5 vans and 4 specialist wheel repair pods, alongside a larger facility at Adlington South Business Park. Furthermore, the business has cultivated more than 60 partnerships with reputable car dealerships, such as Williams Group, Cox Automotive, and Fords of Winsford.
The retiring van has played a pivotal role in DA Techs’ success, having completed over £1 million pounds worth of wheel refurbishments and cutting over 2,500 wheels annually during its seven years of service. Moreover, DA Techs has solidified an exclusive European partnership with US firm Micro Lenco and has assumed the role of UK and European distributor for the lathes integrated into their vans.
Reflecting on the van’s retirement, Jamie expressed incredulity at the tremendous growth and opportunities that have materialized in just seven years. He underscored the resilience and determination that have been instrumental in surmounting challenges, such as navigating through the COVID-19 pandemic, and articulated optimism for the future endeavors of DA Techs.
Throughout its years of operation, the ‘Diamond Smart’ van service has made a profound impact, repairing more than 2,500 diamond alloy wheels within the first year alone. Presently, DA Techs oversees the refurbishment of 220+ wheels daily, delivering substantial time savings for customers, particularly car dealers who aim for a 35-day turnaround time in selling used cars.
Director Phil Barnard expressed pride in the business’s remarkable growth and acknowledged the pivotal role of the retiring van in DA Techs’ journey. He also conveyed enthusiasm about the future prospects and the continued success of the business.
As the industry bids farewell to the van that ignited the innovative journey of DA Techs, it is unmistakable that the business is poised for further growth and achievement. The legacy of the retiring van will continue to inspire the team as they forge ahead in the pursuit of excellence and innovation in the automotive industry.