THE HISTORY OF LONDONDERRY GARAGE
In 1947 Ron Exelby, the founder of Londonderry Garage, left the RAF where he had been stationed at Leeming and started repairing commercial vehicles nearby. What has since become a £50 million turnover company started out in a shed beside the AI which at that time ran right through Londonderry village.
Even at this early stage, the firm's commitment to customer care was obvious as Ron often put up stranded lorry drivers in his own home. The business was thriving when it was sadly destroyed by fire just over a decade later. Undeterred, Ron simply moved across the road to what is now the current site and started up again whilst also adding diesel bunkering to the services on offer.
Initially appointed an agent for Dennis Brothers, the company continued to expand and secured other franchises such as Norba which has since been followed by Scarab, Multilift, Hiab, Heil and Garwood.
Investment in equipment for the service and parts departments as well as other facilities such as training has always been a priority. Some £600,000 has been spent in these areas and there is also a fleet of 12 fully-equipped mobile service vans on the road ensuring customers everywhere receive a prompt response.
The other part of the business - Exelby Services - is also flourishing. There are two service stations on the A19, the Golden Fleece motorway facilities on the M6 and the Whitwood Truckstop on the M62.
Londonderry Garage is also heavily involved in the North's top waste and recycling trade show as sponsor and host of the annual Northern Load & Waste Handling Exhibition. This year's show will take place as usual at the Londonderry village location just off the A1 in North Yorkshire.