Britain's Leading Trailer Manufacturer
The McKenzie Trailer site has been a familiar sight for Bridge of Allan residents as we drove across the railway line at the Cornton crossing. Now the company will be even more of a village institution as McKenzie Trailers will reach half a century in business in June this year.
50 years ago, Peter Mckenzie saw an advert from Ifor Williams Trailers in Wales looking for a distributor in Scotland. He answered it and the rest, as they say, is history as he established a very successful business. When he started up on his own, Peter worked out of rented premises in Riverside in Central Stirling. Eventually, he purchased the old foundry at Bridge of Allan where the firm is still based. Rumour has it that Stirling Tractors were favourites to purchase the land, but Peter managed to persuade Mr Davie, the Foundry owner, (as well as the bank) to sell it to him. The premises at Bridge of Allan, consist of an extensive yard which displays the trailers to their full potential and a fully equipped workshop for repairing and servicing trailers.
Peter’s son Jimmy is based in the workshop along with Wilson Muir who has been with the firm for over 40 years. They are both fully qualified in all aspects of trailer servicing and are always willing to pass on advice. They are ably assisted in the workshop by Robin Black who has been with the firm for 14 years. Continuing the family theme, daughter Tricia is based in the office and deals with sales enquiries as well as the day to day administration.
As the business continues to thrive and develop, recent staffing recruits include Sheila Flaws (Administration) Harry Frame (Workshop) and trainees Jamie Brown and Alex Armitage. Many Bridge of Allan residents will know the friendly and helpful Sheila who until a year ago worked in the Bank of Scotland in town. Sheila and Tricia were at school together, and by chance when Sheila announced she was leaving the bank, McKenzie Trailers, requiring a part time administrator, offered her the post.
Peter has made a huge contribution to the local community in the Stirling area. He was Chairman and benefactor of Stirling Albion Football Club. His lasting legacy will be leaving Stirling Albion to a fans-based Trust, with "the Albion" being the first football club in Britain to be owned by its supporters.
Over the years, too, he has donated three Ifor Williams horseboxes to the Bannockburn Riding for the Disabled Group, and in 2000, he received a Civic Award from Stirling Council for his contribution to the area. It was fitting, therefore, that a large slice of the £6,000 raised at his testimonial match against Glasgow Rangers went towards improving facilities for the disabled at the football ground, the remainder going to local charities. His wife Mima, to whom he was married for 59 years, died in 2010. The apple of his eye is his grandson Scott, who has cerebral palsy. Scott loves all sports especially football, his favourite club, naturally, being Stirling Albion. His favourite sportsperson is Andy Murray who sent Scott a very nice message and some lovely goodies following his US Open win.
On achieving the golden anniversary, Peter said, "We have been very fortunate to have attracted many loyal customers who have been grateful for our attention to detail. My family look forward to serving them for many years to come as well as welcoming new clients".
This article was reproduced with the kind permission of the Bridge of Allan Times. The article was originally published in the Summer 2013 issue. All issues can be downloaded from the link below.
McKenzie Trailers staff
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News » McKenzie Trailers - Celebrating 50 years
