A top trailer maker has appointed a “tried and trusted team” as its new distributor in Aberdeenshire in a move hailed as a boost to the regional economy.

Ifor Williams Trailers (IWT) has awarded the plum territory, which includes the Shetland Islands, to D.R. Alexander & Son who will be creating four new jobs.

The new dealership will be based at a 1.25 acre site at Thainstone Business Park in Inverurie.

Excavators have already cleared the plot where they will be stocking the entire range of Ifor Williams Trailers products and building a new showroom and a servicing and repairs workshop.

The two companies go back a long way because D.R. Alexander & Son has been IWT’s distributor in the north Highlands since 1982, with bases in Inverness and Reay near Thurso.

The launch of the Aberdeenshire operation means the firm is now the go-to representative for Europe’s largest trailer manufacturer across the whole of northern Scotland.

According to Managing Director Mark Alexander, they are already fully operational in Aberdeenshire, selling the top-rated brand remotely from existing depots and with a sales team in the field until the new site officially opens - expected to be in September.

Mark said: “When the opportunity to take on the Aberdeenshire distributorship presented itself we jumped at the chance.

“We already have a strong bond with Ifor Williams Trailers, we know these products inside out and taking our wealth of expertise into the neighbouring area geographically makes perfect business sense to us. It is a significant step forward for us.

“The Inverurie development will have a sales showroom, comprehensive after sales and maintenance provision, extensive stores, a repairs garage and servicing centre. It will offer everything that our customers need.

The Aberdeenshire team is being headed up by newly appointed depot manager Allan Grant who is already working in the Aberdeenshire area building business and looking after all the existing loyal Ifor Williams customers.

He said: “I am confident that we have the experience, knowledge and enthusiasm to build and grow the existing customer base in this area to new levels, especially with a such a quality brand as Ifor Williams Trailers.

“It is an exciting new challenge for us and one which I know we can rise to. We are more than ready to accept business from the vast equine, agricultural and construction communities and all other sectors in need of trailer provision in Aberdeenshire.

“We are pleased to be able to supply the best in the business. The reputation for quality which Ifor Williams Trailers has built up over decades is second to none.

“We were also delighted to hear that Ifor Williams Trailers have invested £14 million in creating a new Genuine Parts Hub which will have a huge impact in terms of the rapid delivery of genuine spare parts.”

IWT has global reach with its market-leading products – made in its six factories in Denbighshire and Flintshire, in North Wales. They are sold in outlets across Europe and as far afield as Australia and New Zealand.

First established in 1958, it is Britain’s largest manufacturer of trailers up to 3500kg gross weight, delivering trailers for a wide variety of purposes.

It invests heavily in research and development to produce the most sought after trailers designed to meet the needs of real people doing real jobs.

The best-selling IWT range includes livestock, horsebox, general duty, tipper, plant, flatbed and box van trailers, as well as car transporters and pick-up canopies. Its customer base is also wide, encompassing farmers, show jumpers, tree surgeons, builders and plumbers.

Its products are used by market traders, community organisations and on occasions charitable causes and even hot air balloonists.

IWT’s  network of UK distributors is bolstered by a growing number of overseas distribution agents.

Meanwhile, D R Alexander was founded by Mark’s father, Donald, who is still closely connected with the business.

Mark added: “This business has been his life over four decades and so his interest is never likely to wane. I still run things by him regularly and he’s always a great source of advice.”

“We like working with the Ifor Williams team because we have similar histories, our businesses are at the very the heart of our families.

“For both companies there is real passion and a determination to maintain the highest standards we can for our customers.”

IWT spokesperson Jac Williams said: “We’re thrilled that DR Alexander & Son are able to now represent us in two key regions in Scotland.

“They’re a tried and trusted team that’s well-known for the quality of their customer service which gives us the confidence that they will look after our customers exceptionally well in both their new and existing areas.

“This is an exciting opportunity for both parties to grow sales and expand on our already established reputations for first class products and first class service.”

Grant Rogerson,  CEO of the  ANM Group, a members owned cooperative, added: “We are delighted to welcome D.R Alexander and Son and Ifor Williams Trailers to Thainstone Business Park where they are opening a new Aberdeenshire distribution centre.

“This exciting development will deliver a boost to the region, ensure high quality Ifor Williams products are available to our local community and further solidifies Thainstone as a prime business hub in the North East. 

“We look forward to the positive economic impact that D.R. Alexander and Son will bring and the opportunities for customers.”

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News » Deal to hook up with top trailer firm in Aberdeenshire will “boost economy”