Multi-site motorhome dealer Brownhills has announced the closure of its Preston site in a press release today.
The statement says: “Following a recent buyout of the company by its Board of Directors and a comprehensive business review of its operations, the Directors of Brownhills regret to advise that its Preston branch will be closing with immediate effect.”
It goes on to say that: “The branch’s significant historical dependence on Hymer sales has meant that it has suffered not only due to the general decline in motorhome sales over the past few years, but additionally due to the heavy depreciation of sterling versus the euro and resulting price increases.”
Brownhills will continue to retail Hymer motorhomes from its Newark and Durham branches, and says that it “welcomes Hymer’s recent statement that it will be looking to grow its dealer network in the UK.”
Any customers of the Preston site who have left deposits for motorhomes or who have vehicles booked in for service and repair work are being contacted directly to offer them the opportunity of dealing with the Newark and Durham branches.
Brownhills was founded in 1978, and it bought the Preston site (formerly Madisons) in 2000. Madisons first began importing Hymers in 1983, and following the buyout the dealership became known as Hymer UK. It was the sole authorised UK importer of Hymer motorhomes, although other dealers retailed the brand too.
As recently as 2008, Brownhills operated a network of six dealer premises. It sold its Cannock site early that year, and shortly after went into administration.
Yorkshire businessman Tom Booth led a management buyout, but the firm later closed its Canterbury branch, and then its Swindon branch earlier this year. It now operates two sites: its flagship site in Newark, and a second site in Durham.
