Manheim is to close its Middlesbrough auction centre following a review of its physical auction infrastructure to meet the expected challenging market conditions of 2012 and beyond.

Manheim Auctions Middlesbrough specialises in main dealer part exchange and trade vehicles however accounts for just 1% of Manheim’s annual auction activity. It has 20 employees who will all now enter into a period of consultation.

Although Manheim’s review of its physical auction presence will result in the closure of Middlesbrough it has also resulted in a number of changes that have provided additional capacity across the network.

In November it was announced that in response to growing demand from vendors for an additional dedicated centre for manufacturer closed auctions in the Midlands region a new operation would be located in Coventry with the sales programme due to begin in the spring on behalf of Skoda UK.

Chris Cush, operations director, Manheim Remarketing said: “Reduced volumes are expected in the wholesale market this year following significant falls in new car registrations in 2008 and 2009 and the continuing challenge in retail sales will put pressure on part exchange volumes.

Whilst Middlesbrough’s vendors and buyers will be accommodated at Manheim’s other auction centres in the region sadly there will be a number of redundancies at the Middlesbrough site as a result of the closure and we are working closely with the team there to help secure alternative employment.”

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