WINDSCREEN repair company replacement Autoglass has re-established a branch in Redditch after a gap of two decades.

The company is expanding its branch network nationwide as it responds to the demands of many windscreens now incorporating complex technologies such as cameras and sensors.

The team at Redditch property agents John Truslove worked with Alps Group – acquiring agents for Belron UK Ltd t/a Autoglass and Laddaw – to secure a 10-year lease on Unit 35 on the Enfield Industrial Estate, in Redditch, a newly developed 3,300 sq ft factory/warehouse.

The company opened 22 new sites across the UK last year – 15 moves to bigger premises and seven brand new branches.

So far this year it has opened seven new branches and relocated three - including Redditch.

Regional manager Ryan Edwards heads the new Redditch branch, coming full circle in his career at Autoglass.

He said: “When I started with the firm in the mid-1990s we were based in Redditch, in another unit on the Enfield Industrial Estate.

“The new branch has four bays, and we are probably fitting 15 to 20 windscreens a day. We have eight technicians based at the branch – all former mobile technicians who live locally and are now enjoying a different working life.

“We chose our branch site so we are only 20-30 minutes driving time from our local customer base, and we are already seeing an 88 per cent satisfaction rating for our work at Redditch. The more branches we open, the more convenient it will be for customers.

“Windscreen technology is continually advancing and improving, so members of our team are constantly undergoing training to maintain our high standards.

“The NCAP safety ratings of new cars requires at least two ADAS systems to be fitted, such as collision avoidance, parking sensors and blind spot detection. Most of these systems work through sensors in windscreens and this is only going to increase in the coming years.”

Ian Parker, joint managing director at commercial property agency John Truslove, said: “We are delighted to have been able to play a part in bringing a branch of Autoglass back to Redditch."