A new service in the Midlands

Trucks have changed considerably over the years and the days of just needing a tool box to fix a problem have well and truly gone, even the term mechanic has now been replaced by technician.

Trevor�s business has gone from strength to strength in the last year

Geelan Auto Electric & Spares Ltd is a company that has moved with the times and managing director Trevor Geelan provides a top quality service to an ever increasing customer base even though he has been only 18 months in business.
Based at Lamagh, Newtownforbes, County Longford, Geelan Auto Electric & Spares Ltd specialise in repairs to alternators and starters; diesel injectors; fitting spots and lamps, stockists of batteries, filters, air fittings, reversing cameras and installing satellite navigation among the stock many other accessories for trucks and light commercials, while the company also stock chrome bars for lorries and A-bars for jeeps and vans.

All accessories for trucks and light commercials can be found at Trevor Geelan Auto Electrics

The company is situated just off the N4 Sligo road and right beside Hannify Commercials, making it an ideal location for hauliers to call into.
Trevor had ten years experience in the industry as he worked with Hall’s Longford Diesel Electrical before making the brave step to establish his own company in July 2006 and he admits it is a decision he is delighted to have made.
“I’m very happy with the way the business has gone since I started up just over a year ago. Having worked in the same game for so many years, meant that I had plenty of contacts and that really helped when I first started,” said Trevor.
“I always wanted to have my own business and although it was a bit daunting getting the business off the ground, it is something I certainly don’t regret.”

The Longford native acknowledges the fact that this is a specialised area and that you have to keep learning all the time or be left behind by the competition.
“Electronics and electrics play a huge part in the design of trucks now compared to years back and every year there is something more to learn so it is important to keep up to speed.
“I’ve learned a lot as I’ve gone along and fortunately the business and customer base has increased considerably in the last year as many of the local hauliers come here.”

Peter Krowczk uses all his expertise to repair a starter motor

Most of the trucks that Trevor deals with are relatively new and require specialist work, which he is fully qualified and equipped to do as must be the case in this business.
“Any haulier that brings a truck in here does not want it lying around for too long and they want the job done as quickly as possibly. Lorries cost huge money and the only way to pay for them is to keep them on the roads as much as possible.
“That means it is essential to keep the customer happy by having their truck ready when you say you will, while providing a top quality service. It is important to get the job done right also and ensure that they don’t have to bring it back in a few days later.
“It is my aim to continue that in the future and this is one of the main reasons why the business is going so well at the moment,” added Trevor.

The first year and a half of business has been hectic for Trevor as not only was he working hard to get the business off the ground, but he also had the ‘small matter’ of getting married to tend with as well as building a new home for the newlyweds.
“A lot happened in 2007, but it was a memorable year on all fronts, especially the wedding. Myself and Catherine went to Las Vegas for the honeymoon which was very enjoyable, but as soon as I returned, it was straight back to work and that has been the case ever since.”
So what does the coming year hold for Geelan Auto Electric & Spares Ltd? “Well with all the work I have going on at the moment, I’ve taken on someone else to help, while the new house will also take up plenty of my spare time.
“I’ve no plans to expand the premise just yet as we have enough room for a few trucks, but that is something we might look at further down the line.”

Trevor and Peter fit a chrome bar and spots on a tractor unit

One area of the business that Trevor is most definitely looking to improve on is the diagnostics and he revealed that investment will be made in this sector.
“It could cost anywhere between €6,000 and €10,000 to install a computer diagnostics system, but this will enable us to find problems in lorries much faster and thus cut downtime even more, which will be beneficial to the customers.”
Trevor and staff including wife Catherine are open for business six days a week from 8am to 7pm meaning that customers are not confined to calling in normal office hours.

“Most hauliers call in to us during the evening as they are working all day and that is something that we have no problem with as this is the situation in the haulage business.”
Geelan Auto Electric & Spares Ltd has taken the industry by storm and the growth of the company has surprised many even Trevor, but the fact that he provides an efficient and reliable service to a large customer base has seen the business flourish considerably.
The new diagnostics system being introduced is sure to enhance its reputation even further and with every accessory imaginable available, Geelan’s has become something of a truckers’ paradise.