The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

An auto parts supplier is aiming to continue its Freeport expansion by investing $1-$1.2 million in opening its own property by 2015, telling Tribune Business yesterday that the company was looking to work closely with the smaller “shade tree” mechanics.

Stephen Albury, the Bahamian franchisee for CarQuest, and also the proprietor of its Dundas Town, Abaco, location, said prospects for business appeared good for its new Freeport store.

The company has leased 7,500 square feet of space on Logwood Road, creating eight permanent jobs.

“I feel that the prospects are very good for business,” Mr Albury said. “We are above where I thought we would be. We are going to be working closer with what we consider the ‘shade tree’ mechanics. They are the guys we are going to educate and try and work very closely with, because they have been kind of missed for years.

“Our major competitors compete with them because they all have service facilities as well; we don’t. We are not in service; we sell parts. Our focus is specifically parts.

“We’re going to be having a tool and trade show later this year, and I would say that would be sometime in September or November, at which time we will also be doing a two-day training clinic for all the smaller mechanics. They are the ones dealing with more cars than some of the big dealerships. They are the ones spending the money every day. Everyone has their guy.”

Mr Albury said the company plans to move into its own premises by 2015. “We are currently renting a facility, but the plan would be to build our own,” he added.

“By the time 2015 hits we would want to have our own  designed facility. We have already identified a piece of property. I would say that later this year we will start with physical plans. If I were to guess right now I would say that between property and structure, anywhere from $1-$1.2 million will be invested.”

CarQuest Auto Parts is an international retail chain with more than 3,000 locations in the USand the Caribbean, and carrying brand names such as Toyota, Ford, Chevrolet and Kia.