Fix Auto Australia, part of the worlds largest independent repairer network has added its second new location for the year in Rockingham WA. Wadleys Panel Beaters, located in the coastal town of Rockingham has been owned and operated by Julie Wadley and has been in business for 50 years. Having made the decision to retire from the industry, existing Fix Auto Osborne Park owner, Steve Lopresti has acquired the business and will rebrand the location as Fix Auto Rockingham.
The latest addition to the network comes after a long hard search for 'just the right business' by Steve Lopresti as he expands his footprint south of the river.
Lopresti said: “ I have been looking to add a second location for some time now, there are always options, but finding the right business in the right location and that has a significant opportunity for growth is always the challenge. With Wadleys I have secured a business with a strong reputation and legacy, great team in the shop and a location that is bound for expansion in the coming years”.
“Fix Auto have supported my ambition ever since I joined over five years ago. I renewed my franchise agreement with them for another five years in 2022, so it was obvious I wanted and needed their support in this new venture. They are hands on with me already, helping me get the shop set up, the systems and processes installed and of course helping the team transition from the previous ownership into the Fix Auto family”.
Stuart Faid, Vice President of Fix Auto in Australia and head of the Australian business said “ Steve has been keen to expand his interests for some time now, we have a concentration of shops north of the river and were looking to expand south of the river to better serve our insurance customers. This opportunity was great for Steve and for us. We are very keen to support him in any way possible to grow his footprint and help him expand his operations. Buying a well established business comes with both challenges and opportunities but I am confident that Steve has what it takes to bring this business into a new age and drive it forward and we will be with him, every step of the way”.
This is the second signing for Fix Auto already in 2023 and with more to come in the months ahead.