Waldron Commercials Ltd the commercial vehicle, servicing, maintenance and recovery business based at Tafarnaubach Industrial Estate, Tredegar, has expanded the existing site after a £100,000 investment supported by Barclays.

The expansion has been made to accommodate increased logistical support for a major high street retailer, complimenting the existing servicing and maintenance operation and creating five new jobs over the next year.

Established in 1998 the business now employs 18 staff, servicing more than 2,500 vehicles a year that include several blue chip companies, manufacturing firms and a range of local hauliers.

Alistair Waldron, director of Waldron Commercials Ltd, said: “We have had an incredible 12 months culminating in our triple award (a first in the history of the awards) at the recent Commercial Motor Magazine Awards for Aftersales and Maintenance Provider of the Year, Customer Service and Technician of the Year, competing against all the national dealerships across the UK. This success has also carried through into the business bottom line as turnover has increased by 14 per cent within a tough external economic environment.”

Carl Mason, Barclays Business manager, said: “As champions of local business, it is essential that we support local growing businesses such as Waldron Commercials Ltd.

"Alistair is a great example of an entrepreneur using their experience, contacts and skills to develop a successful business. By really understanding the business and issues they have faced, Barclays has been able to support the business throughout its development. It’s great to see a local Welsh business scooping industry recognised awards, growing and creating new jobs for the local community.”

Alistair Waldron said: “We faced a number of challenges when we started the business including an arson attack and even now we must maintain very high levels of security costing more than £35,000 a year to ensure the security of our customer’s vehicles and our premises.

"We feel we are well positioned within the local market and can use this investment supported by Barclays to grow and strengthen our business. Running a business is tough with no rest bite and being tied to the business 24 hours a day but the rewards far outweigh the downsides even after working long hours. We are also now an approved parts and service agent for Isuzu Truck UK which will further grow and diversify our income stream.”