Ivor Searle reports record growth

Ivor Searle is continuing to see strong demand for its remanufactured engines, gearboxes and turbos in both the car and LCV segments. Supplying over 1,500 motor factors across the UK and a growing distributor network in the EU, robust demand has seen the leading remanufacturer complete another record year of trading which saw a further 8% increase in turnover.

While the price advantage of quality remanufactured products in comparison to brand new OEM remains a key selling point, issues such as availability, parc coverage, warranty and technical support are arguably just as important when it comes to meeting the needs of workshops.

Ivor Searle Commercial Director, David Eszenyi, said: “Market demand for our remanufactured major units is consistently strong across all segments and we’re focused on meeting this demand through our ‘off the shelf’ production range which offers petrol and diesel engines for virtually all current popular car and LCV models in stock for next-day delivery.”

He continued: “Alongside robust demand for our production units, demand for customer own unit (COU) engine remanufacturing is also increasing, particularly for late model engines and hybrid units. With a 15-day turnaround time, COU solves the availability challenge for factors by providing a solution to offer workshops when an exchange unit is not immediately available.”

The process involves collection of the original failed engine from the workshop and returning it to Ivor Searle’s factory in Cambridgeshire where it is remanufactured in accordance with BSI AU 257:2002, the British Standard Automobile Series Code of Practice for the remanufacturing of internal combustion engines.

David added: “All Ivor Searle engines are provided with a 12-month unlimited mileage warranty to ensure customer peace of mind.”

Ivor Searle offers an all makes range of remanufactured car and LCV petrol and diesel engines, as well as cylinder heads, gearboxes and turbochargers that cover over 90% of the UK vehicle parc. Customers are supported by an experienced sales and customer service team, as well as a full e-commerce website.

Demonstrating its ongoing commitment to the value of apprenticeships, Ivor Searle has taken on its latest apprentice at its factory.

The new recruit has been enrolled on the company’s Level 3 Machining Technician apprenticeship, which is delivered in association with West Suffolk College – one of Ivor Searle’s nominated training providers. He joins a cohort of seven other apprentices currently on programme with the business, as well as one employee who recently completed his 48-month Level 3 apprenticeship with Cambridge Regional College.

As part of their training, apprentices employed by Ivor Searle learn the processes and engineering involved across the whole operation, from stripping engines and machining of components to final assembly and remanufactured product development.

Recognising the need to recruit more young people into technical and engineering roles within the automotive sector, Ivor Searle’s ongoing investment in apprenticeships is seen as a key element in future-proofing the skills needed by the business.

Ivor Searle Support Services Manager, Jennie Pullum, explained: “As a significant employer in the Cambridgeshire area, Ivor Searle sponsors local recruitment fairs to advocate the benefits of apprenticeships, including the annual East Cambridgeshire Careers and Skills Fair at Ely Cathedral. This is an important event for local businesses to raise awareness of apprenticeships to young people, helping them to make informed choices with regards to employment opportunities.”

Returning to David Eszenyi, he added: “Ivor Searle has always been an advocate of apprenticeships, and we are certainly one of the main employers of apprentices within the aftermarket.

“Our experience has shown that it’s the ideal platform to develop hands-on engineering and technical skills, which our business relies upon. I started my own career as an apprentice machinist and a number of our senior staff joined Ivor Searle as apprentices. They are the future of our company so it’s vital that we invest in their foundation skills.”