AN INDEPENDENT automotive engineering business in west Suffolk is celebrating its 21st anniversary.

Specialist Automotive, which majors on German and Swedish manufactured cars and other quality and specialist marques, was founded by Terry Drew in 1991, in a small unit on the Rougham Industrial Estate.

More than 10 years ago, however, the company moved to Chapel Pond Hill, off Hollow Road in Bury St Edmunds, and since it has grown steadily.

“We have an established and very loyal customer following, which has grown almost completely through recommendation and word of mouth,” said Mr Drew.

“We have never wanted to emulate the main agents – we simply pride ourselves in doing a job that ensures that most of our customers don’t want to take their cars anywhere else.”

“That’s what they tell us,” he adds.

Specialist Automotive also caters for owners of high performance, specialist and classic cars, including makes such as Lamborghini, MG and Porsche.

The company has invested in the latest computer software to be able to match original manufacturer settings across a wide range of vehicles.

However, it does not undertake its own MOT testing – a deliberate decision designed to give customers the confidence that a third-party inspector annually verifies and validates its work.

“Global sourcing and manufacturer alliances have led to some components being common across a band of several makes, so we have to have a multi-brand capability,” says Mr Drew.

“Also, the trend amongst private owners is for them to keep their cars for much longer. These cars will last, but only if they are properly maintained.

“We use only manufacturer recommended parts,” he added.