MOTOR MAINTENANCE IN MANCHESTER.
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The Approved Depot of Messrs. Frances Motors, Ltd.
THE CITY OF MAN. CHESTER with the adjoining berough of Salford affords an excellent opportunity for the commercial vehicle of every type, and a ra,piu development of the use of the commercial niOtor has been observable there for many years, thanks to the presence of a:number of agents who are -fully •alive to the possibilities and to the advantages which the commercial vehicle offers. . The heaviest work in the city streets consists of the transport of cotton. from mills to warehouse and from warehouse to docks and goods yards. The horsed vehicle used for somany years for this work has caused considerable congestion of traffic in the narrow streets, and its displacement by motor lorry will considera,bly speed up traffic and reduce congestion. The delivery van, is ubiquitous and is now largely enjoying the attention of agents and depot proprietors who formerly concentrated on the pleasure car. An interesting example of touring car agent who has . of comparatively recent date devoted increasing .attention to the heavy side of the lousiness is Lookers, Ltd., of 17, Hardman Street, Dearrsgate, Manchester. Under that name this concern did a substantial business in high-class touring cars. Allied to it, and in adjoining premises, Frances Motors, Ltd., exploited the Ford car, amino doubt not unreasonable profits accrued as a, result of this combination. It was in order to cater for this business that the depot at the above address was established. At present it consists of a floor space of about 600 square yards, which area, is occupied by a three-storey building. In the course of three years of war, and during a gradual transition of the active interests of the company from touring cars to commercial vehicles, and latterly to agricultural tractors, the character of the premises has undergone a corresponding change. They form now a commercial motor depot, equipped with almost every necessity. That the location is an admirable one will not need to be emphasized to anyone who has even a sodding acquaintance with Manchester and its main
thoroughfares. Hardman Street is one of those busy branch streets opening into Deansgato, which itself is one of the busiest, if not the busiest, from a traffic point of view, of Manchester's streets.
The premises themselves were, perhaps, not ideal in the first place for -commercial motor work. The . structural improvements which have been carried out have been such, however, as almost to eliminate any what might be termed natural disabilities which previously existed. On the ground floor is located the showrooms, the repairs department, the smithy, press, and a petrol supply pump which draws from a Bowser underground tank. To the rear of the showroom are the main offices. On the first floor is the machine shop, spare parts stores and messrooms, whilst the top storey forms an adequate body construction and repair shop, a paint shop and a light van repair department.. Access to all floors is available by means of a hoist which has a capacity of two , tons gross. The showrooms are the first to be encountered as one proceeds down Hardman Street from the Deansgate end. Ample accommodation is. provided for from eight to ten vans and lorries, while still leaving plenty of room for inspection of the vehicles, for executive offices at the rear, and for shelves of accessories to be disposed round the walls. A partition of wood and glass divides this from the repairs department. The latter is well equipped with the necessary fitter's bench, smith's tools, and so on.
A diversion of the firm's activities to the manufacture of certain munitions of war has led to the acquisition of a very valuable collection of machine tools, by the aid of which any possible demand for machine work can be -met. The company's experience in the commercial motor business commenced with the Ford van, and it is, therefore, not remarkable that a preponderance of attention to that useful little vehicle is noticeable during a tour through the stores. Other commercial vehicles in which the firm is interested, however, are the Star, G.M.C., and CaIedon, and we Were •able to assure ourselves that, notwitbstanding the somewhat abnormal amount of rOant de voted to Ford parts, the provision of spares for the heavier chassis had not by any means been overlooked. No attempt has, so far, been made by Frances Motors, Ltd., to cater for the steam wagon, nor would the premises, as they stood on the occasion of our visit, provide for the storage of vehicle loads during the time •the vehicle itself was undergoing repair. An adjacent property has. however, been •purchased, and the buildings eventually will occupy approximately three times the present space. The company's latest expansion is. in respect of coalgas equipment it has established a department for the supply and fitting of flexible holders, as well as a filling station.
all the floors. The few illustrations which we reproduce will . serve to indicate to some extent the thoroughness of this firms 'operations, and will substantiate our own • view that Frances Motors, Lid., as a commercial motor. agency, is a factor. to. be reckoned with in ManclieSter and district.