LKQ / ECP to open three paint distribution centres creating 1,500 jobs

An article on Insider says that LKQ Corporation plans to build on its acquisition of Reading-based JCA Coatings by opening three paint distribution centres and creating almost 1,500 jobs next year. The latest news follows confirmation of the news earlier this month that LKQ (Euro Car Parts) - confirm acquisition of IRIS plus 5 distributors – JCA Coatings, Milton Keynes Paint & Equipment, Bee Bee Refinishing Supplies Halstead, Premier Paints and Sinemaster Motor Factors. The company has now set its sights on setting up new operations in the Midlands, Ireland and Scotland, according to Insider. These will be business-to-business trade centres stocking paint products and equipment, but they will also include workshops, training centres and meeting rooms. David Bevan, director of Euro Car Parts, indicated the LKQ centres would be of "significant size" and extend the company's geographical coverage across the British Isles. He added: "We will be opening the branches on greenfield sites but it is too early to say which brand they will sit under. We will also be looking to add to the paint distribution network with potential further acquisitions. "We have pencilled in an increase in staff numbers by 1,500 next year and some of those, perhaps just less than 100, will be recruited in the three new centres under the newly acquired brands."