The last 18 months has been a difficult and challenging period for businesses. Covid-19 has impacted differently on various sectors, devastating for some and a game of survival for many. If there are winners, they are very much in the minority. In the motor factor industry, the difficulties has been compounded by Brexit and having to plan and negotiate new supply lines and import routes.
In the midst of this period it has been a bold and courageous move for Top Part to open a new store in Cork city. As Ireland’s largest motor factor company this brings the number of Top Part stores to twenty. Having planned to open prior to the pandemic, it was put on temporary hold until the road ahead appeared to be improving and was considered safe to do so under the HSE guidelines.
Speaking to Donie Dillane, MD Top Part, he said we had been planning to open in Cork City for some time but held firm until a suitable premises with good accessibility was secured. We are optimistic about our future in Cork and feel we can bring a premium and unique service to the trade. Our product range and services have expanded over the years. Apart from car parts and consumables, we now offer garage equipment, diagnostics and training, tools, work and safety wear, stocking programmes, business and development support and finance. In the last two years our Approved Service Kit has proven very successful with our trade clients. This kit enables a mechanic to service any vehicle with OE quality lubricants and parts and maintain vehicle manufacturer’s warranty - which is their right under EU law. To compliment and grow this premium service, we have been expanding our OE quality brands and we are delighted to add Jurid to our braking range this month. This Approved Service Kit service he believes is the way forward for successful garages. There are less and less older vehicles on the road and the owners of a more modern vehicle will require garages and service centres to have the expertise and quality parts to service and maintain vehicles with advanced engineering, electronics and AI.
Donie believes the future will bring many changes to the aftermarket business but he believes Top Part will remain to the fore in meeting the changing environment ahead, just as in the past we were one of the first motor factors to offer diagnostics and training. From starting as a car parts supplier we have evolved into what we and many of our trade clients view as a partnership in trust and cooperation.
The Cork city team is headed up by the extremely competent Ian Nagle who has 26 years experience in the motor factor trade. Ian is delighted with the business to date. The trade business, which is core to the Top Part model, has grown since the doors opened but equally they have been encouraged by the retail business. The Cork store offers a comprehensive valeting and accessories range for the car enthusiast and Ian was adamant in his invitation to any car owner; “we are always willing to offer friendly advice on all aspects of maintenance and enhancement, we build a business on trust and trust begins with knowledgeable and honest advice”.
The new Top Part store is located at Unit 2, South Ring West Business Park, Tramore Road. Eircode: T12 X439. There is spacious parking and ease of access with deliveries to trade clients on a daily basis. Before leaving the Cork store that day Ian pointed out the fact that with Top Part being an wholly owned and run Irish company, there was a pride and commitment to build this motor factor store into a success story and one we will all share in. We wish Ian and his Top Part team all the best in the future.
Tel: 021 236 2871
Email: southring@toppart.ie
