Caithness trailer firm expands with new patch in Aberdeenshire and Shetland
A trailer firm with bases in Caithness and Inverness is expanding its reach with a new contract which will see four new jobs created.
DR Alexander & Son is the new Ifor Williams Trailers distributor for Aberdeenshire, which includes the Shetland Islands. The new dealership will be based at a 1.25-acre site at Thainstone Business Park in Inverurie.
The site will stock the entire range of Ifor Williams Trailers products and include a new showroom and a servicing and repairs workshop.
The two companies go back a long way – DR Alexander & Son has been IWT’s distributor in the north Highlands since 1982, with bases in Reay and Inverness.
The launch of the Aberdeenshire operation means that the firm is now the go-to representative for Europe’s largest trailer manufacturer across the whole of northern Scotland. The firm says it has already begun operations in Aberdeenshire, with a sales team in the field until the new site officially opens, which is expected to be in September.
Managing director Mark Alexander said: “When the opportunity to take on the Aberdeenshire distributorship presented itself we jumped at the chance.
“We already have a strong bond with Ifor Williams Trailers, we know these products inside out and taking our wealth of expertise into the neighbouring area geographically makes perfect business sense to us. It is a significant step forward.”
The Aberdeenshire team is being headed up by newly appointed depot manager Allan Grant who is already working in the area building business and looking after all existing Ifor Williams customers.
He said: “I am confident that we have the experience, knowledge and enthusiasm to build and grow the existing customer base in this area to new levels, especially with such a quality brand as Ifor Williams Trailers.
“It is an exciting new challenge for us and one which I know we can rise to. We are more than ready to accept business from the vast equine, agricultural and construction communities and all other sectors in need of trailer provision in Aberdeenshire.”
DR Alexander was founded by Mark’s father, Donald, who is still closely connected with the business.
Mark added: “This business has been his life over four decades and so his interest is never likely to wane. I still run things by him regularly and he’s always a great source of advice.
“We like working with the Ifor Williams team because we have similar histories, our businesses are at the very the heart of our families.
“For both companies there is real passion and a determination to maintain the highest standards we can for our customers.”
IWT spokesperson Jac Williams said: “We’re thrilled that DR Alexander & Son are able to now represent us in two key regions in Scotland.
“They’re a tried and trusted team that’s well-known for the quality of their customer service which gives us the confidence that they will look after our customers exceptionally well in both their new and existing areas.”
