Snodland was selected for refurbishment due to it having one of the busiest workshops within the Northgate network. Strategically positioned on the prestigious Mid Kent Business Park, the hub generates a high level of activity and transactions and, as such, the refurbishment was a necessity to support the business in delivering uncompromised high levels of customer service. 

The Snodland workshop, in particular, has seen a significant development with the re-design allowing optimum operational efficiency and workflow, as well as the mechanics benefitting from updated equipment, such as a brand new brake tester equipment. Two new three ton two post ramps, two five ton two post ramps and two four ton four post ramps have also been introduced, as has a set of vehicle lifts and stands. The pit area has been filled in, head light alignment equipment installed, new oil, water, and air hose reels installed and bulk oil tanks installed outside the workshop. A tyre bay has also been fitted for fast fit tyres.

Vanessa Leach, Branch manager at Northgate Vehicle Hire in Snodland, commented:'The Snodland site is the central hub for Northgate’s entire operation in the South East and so its presentation and facilities are of utmost importance. We’re now catering for walk in customers with our new retail hire offering, as well as our business customers, so investing in our facilities was key to ensure our commitment to the region. Alongside providing our colleagues with a working environment that allows them to carry out their jobs effectively, process efficiencies will improve significantly to ensure that our customers have an unrivalled experience with every single visit.'

The site has been transformed from dated and operationally unsuitable, to a hub which boasts a dedicated reception area for rental and workshop customers, two plasma TVs with information points; one of which will display a live workshop planner so customers can track the maintenance progress of their vehicles; a refreshment and working area with Wi-Fi access for customers, and a canteen for colleagues. The redevelopment also sees a new open plan back office to improve operational performance and communication between departments. Corporate signage has also been introduced.