AN ATS Euromaster location in Powys has shut down, as part of a UK-wide cull of the company’s service centres.
The ATS Euromaster site in Brecon has closed, leaving Llandrindod Wells as the sole centre in Powys.
It was announced last month that ATS Euromaster had earmarked 86 service centres for possible closure across the UK – more than a third of its locations – blaming overcapacity, increasing costs and sluggish growth.
The closure of the tyres, MOT and servicing centre, located on The Watton, has been described as a “sad loss to the town”.
Rumours that the centre had shut circulated on a local Facebook page, last Friday, February 28.
When the Brecon garage was contacted by the County Times, the call was re-routed centrally, where the closure was confirmed.
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ATS Euromaster has not released a statement confirming which sites are closing, but the Brecon centre no longer appears on ATS' website.
In a statement to industry specialists Fleet News in February, an ATS Euromaster spokesperson said: “In a UK automotive aftermarket context of overcapacity, increasing costs and sluggish activity and growth, ATS Euromaster intends to review its current operating model and has put in place a proposal to close non profitable service centres.
“Employees impacted by this proposal are under consultation. In the meantime, our priority is to provide them with the best level of support as possible.
“This decision will not impact the high quality of services that we offer to our customers."
The Michelin-owned company said the move was part of a wider review of its operating model.
It currently runs than 235 tyre and service centres and recently announced plans to scale-up its mobile servicing business.
It would not be drawn on which non-profitable sites are are under threat, but it was reported up to 400 employees could be impacted.
One local resident reacting to the news said: “A company shutting 80 outlets should be national news.”
Another added: “Very sad day. Have used ATS for over 20 years and was always impressed with their professionalism and care.
“Considering they were always busy and with a waiting list, it is difficult to understand this decision. Thank you Paul and Scott, and others, for your friendship and hard work.”
In the latest full accounts filed by the company, for the year to December 2023, it reported losses after tax of £13.9 million compared to a loss of £20.6m the previous year.
Turnover was up at £165.5m compared with £147.1m in 2022.
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