Pellon Tyre and Auto Centre celebrates 25th anniversary

point S member Pellon Tyre and Auto Centre is celebrating 25 years of business during the course of 2014. For Eric Roberts, managing director of Pellon, which is based in Halifax, 2014 is therefore a particular special year. Prior to owning the company, Roberts worked for Michelin, Goodyear and Dunlop and this was how he came to know the previous owners, the Martin family.

When Eric purchased the business in 1989, the garage comprised two small bays and it was from here that they sold tyres to their local customers. As with most businesses there have been ups and downs over the years. One of Eric’s fondest memories is how the snow that fell on their first day of business, helped him to sell off the stock of budget tyres he had inherited. Pellon Tyre were inundated with calls from people wishing to buy tyres and despite having only two fitters and his assistant, now manageress Debbie Bastow, they managed to keep up with demand.

Over the years the business has developed and Pellon Tyre expanded to become Pellon Tyre and Auto Centre reflecting the fact that they were selling other services to their customers in addition to tyres. From there the next progression was to become an MOT test centre and this was achieved when Eric was able to purchase the building next door which was owned by a car body repair specialist. To help keep ahead of the competition the company has also developed a website. One key to the success of the website has been the online tyre selector which has enabled Pellon Tyre and Auto Centre to compete with other online tyre companies.

Finding ways to compete with larger companies with multiple depots is often a problem for smaller independent garages. Joining forces with Unipart Car Care Centres has enabled Pellon Tyre customers to offer their customers a nationwide pricing and guarantee system which has meant that they are able to compete with the large companies who have multiple depots. Becoming part of the Point-S network of independent tyre dealers has meant that they can now purchase tyres at more competitive prices which in turn they are able to pass onto their customers.