A NORTH Yorkshire businesses has bought the building that has been its home for the last 12 years - putting down permanent roots in the area.
Malton Coachworks has bought the Showfield Lane site which houses the company's main workshop alongside its parts and accounts departments.
The purchase was completed earlier this month, having been planned since the start of the year.
It was bought from Bill and Liz Craven, whose company Falcon Lubricants operated from the site.
The couple founded the business in Malton in 1984 and built it into a multimillion pound concern before selling it to Millers Oils of Brighouse in 2009.
Malton Coachworks was established in 2009, when its sister company, Classic & Sportscar Centre, established in 1991 needed the support of an independent garage. It began with eight staff and now employs more than 50.
The business works across its workshop, bodyshop, trim shop, parts department, fabrication and training academy.
It specialises in Jaguar, MG, Austin Healey, Aston Martin with experience across more than 100 marques.
Malton Coachworks CEO James Szkiler said: "This is a landmark moment for Malton Coachworks. We have worked from this building for 12 years, and owning it means we are putting down permanent roots in Malton.
"Bill and Liz built a successful business here, and it means a great deal to us that the building passes from one Malton business to another. We intend to look after it.”
Ownership clears the way for an extensive refurbishment that will help lift the profile of Showfield Lane. Work will begin with the roof and cladding in 2027 followed by a renovation of the interior with new offices and a new reception.
James said: "None of this would have been possible without our team and our clients. Every member of staff, and every client who has trusted us with a car, has helped bring us to this point. This is their achievement as much as ours.”
"We want to bring this building into the 21st century.
"Our clients trust us with cars that mean a great deal to them. We want a building we are proud to welcome them into, where they can see their car being worked on at first hand.”