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Centre of excellence
Ideally located just off the M7 in a spectacular new state-of-the-art
facility at Clonminam Industrial Estate, Corcoran’s Vehicle Repair
Centre in Portlaoise is the largest accident repair centre in Ireland.
Irish Trucker visited the sublime 30,000 sq ft workshop to get an update
from director Ann Corcoran.
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A
24-hour, nationwide recovery service is provided
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The fantastic new facility is very much the jewel in the crown of Corcoran’s
Vehicle Repair Centre, Ireland’s largest recovery and accident repair
centre. Corcoran’s specialise in work on light and heavy commercials
(as well as passenger vehicles and buses) and are an approved repairer
of all of Ireland’s major insurers. Providing a dedicated commercial
wheel alignment service as well as VTN test preparation and 24-hour recovery,
Corcoran’s VRC has been providing a dependable, professional and
multifaceted service to hauliers and general motorists for 32 years now.
This exceptional service is provided at a competitive price.
The business was established in 1977 and operated from busy premises in
Clonminam Industrial Estate. Founder Gerard Corcoran started out with
just one other employee working from a modest, rented garage. However,
as the business grew in popularity over the years, the directors realised
that they had outgrown their base.
In October 2008, Corcoran’s Vehicle Repair Centre commenced trading
from its brand-new, purpose-built, state-of-the-art premises in the Clonminam
Industrial Estate, on the outskirts of Portlaoise in a prime location
in the heart of the midlands – convenient to traffic from all parts
of the island.
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The
most sophisticated equipment is used in the accident repair
centre
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The new facility is truly spectacular and has to be seen to be believed.
Using the most up-to-date technology and the most sophisticated equipment,
as well as a team of highly-qualified technicians, this is the most modern
facility of its kind anywhere in the UK or Europe. With these new premises
and over 30 years’ experience carrying out recovery and accident
damage repair to all kinds of vehicles (with vehicle hire available while
the customer’s car/van/bus/truck is off the road), this family business
has never been better positioned to continue providing a service that
is simply second to none.
Customer satisfaction is guaranteed at Corcoran’s. A full range of
services is offered, including wheel alignment carried out by Hunter equipment
and panel beating conducted by a professional team equipped with the most
advanced equipment on the market. The premises also boasts three of the
most technologically-advanced spray booths in Ireland, fully compliant
with recently-introduced paint regulations. Painting materials are provided
by Galsurit, who provide ongoing training and support to staff.
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The
spectacular new state-of-the-art premises near Portlaoise
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As the VRC is approved by the likes of AIG, AXA, Hibernian, Quinn Direct,
Zurich and Royal Sun Alliance etc., all vehicle repairs carry a host of
advantages including a full guarantee that can only be granted by an approved
repairer.
Customers are ensured of a satisfactory repair every time, as Corcoran’s
Repair Centre is setting new standards in their revolutionary approach
to vehicle repair, brining accident repair into the 21st century. The
clean and open new facility has been thoughtfully designed, laid out and
fitted out. The office/reception lies at the centre of the building, very
much at the hub of the operation. Gerard Corcoran and engineer Paddy Fitzpatrick
worked hard on getting the design just right and they can be justifiably
proud of their efforts.
Corcoran’s VRC offers all types of (body and cab) repairs to commercial
vehicles and specialises in truck wheel alignment, axle straightening
and chassis straightening, with a dedicated area for pulling chassis and
trailers.
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Members
of the team at CorcoranŐs VRC, l/r: Rob Dambrauskas, Michael
Grudniewski, Ray Dalton, Thomas Klimczak
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Three heavy tow trucks provide a 24-hour nationwide recovery service,
with two smaller tow trucks on hand to deal with cars and vans. The new
facility also contains a 12.5 ton crane, a cab-straightening bench and
a total of eight bays, five of which are dedicated to trucks.
“We employ 23 in total, between office staff, mechanics, vehicle
repairers and tow truck drivers. Many of these have shown tremendous loyalty
to us over the years and we appreciate this. We know the staff have played
a big part in our success. We would also like to take this opportunity
to thank our repeat customers, who have come back to us over the years
and to ensure them that we will continue to provide them the highest level
of service from the new facility,” says Ann. “The insurance
companies have also been very good to us and we are improved by most of
the insurers on the market in Ireland.”
Corcoran’s offers a level of spaciousness that is the antidote to
the traditional congested, clogged, cluttered workshop, offering control
rather than chaos, and a relaxing environment that eliminates the stress
and discomfort often associated with a garage workplace. “It’s
very, very spacious,” Ann continues. “It’s a complete drive-through
workshop, so there’s no hassle getting in or out and we’re also
in a conveniently-accessible location. We’re at the centre of the
country, with no problem whatsoever with access. We are a one-stop shop
for all vehicle repair needs, using only the most modern equipment and
techniques.”
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CorcoranŐs
new facility has to be seen to be believed
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Corcoran's are open from 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday and from 10am to
1pm on Saturdays. The skilled team is armed with the best bodyshop equipment
in Ireland and is equally adept at panel beating and mechanical repairs,
spray painting and vehicle signage, and commercial chassis repairs and
fetching.
All estimating is carried out on a computerised Glasmatrix estimating
platform allowing customers total transparency into the extent of repair
and parts to be fitted during the repair process. All work is guaranteed
to a customer satisfaction pledge. Corcoran’s are also an authorised
End of Life centre and are renowned for being fully compliant with all
environment regulations and directives.
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A
once over at CorcoranŐs Vehicle Repair Centre
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Equipment used by Corcoran Autobody Works is modern, state-of-the-art
and geared towards providing the very best level of service. This includes
TruckCam wheel alignment technology as well as specialist equipment from
Cellett, Josam and Garmat. As they understand the chassis and the mechanical
operation of a truck, Corcoran’s are undisputed specialists in the
field of commercial vehicle wheel alignment. This service is offered at
a reasonable rate and will often save the user the price of a new tyre.
Corcoran’s Vehicle Repair Centre
Clonminam Industrial Estate
Portlaoise
County Laois
057 8621151
087 2501044
www.corcoranrecovery.ie
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