ATS Euromaster is streamlining its operations with the launch of a national administration and finance centre in Birmingham, creating more than 150 jobs. The move follows a £40 million investment in the firm's network of fast-fit centres and technology and customer service capabilities.

The firm has 4,500 staff and 555 fast-fit centres. As part of the new centre, the firm will phase out its current network of regional administration offices from February. ATS Euromaster has also launched a fleet of 12 mobile units as training vans to instruct mechanics in fitting techniques at fast-fit centres across the UK.

The move is aimed at minimising disruption caused to staffing levels by time spent training fitters. Before the move staff attended the company's training centre in Stoke on Trent or one of the seven satellite training centres in the UK. Staff are now part of the mobile units and the number of staff in the training department has risen from 11 to 20.

David Bull, head of training, said: 'By mobilising our trainers and recruiting additional staff to co-ordinate them we are better placed to meet changing business needs.'