Jason Blanch joined the firm in 1994 as an apprentice, and four years later graduated with honours, becoming a qualified auto electrician.

With almost perfect timing the owners decide to retire, and sold the business to the newly qualified Jason in February 1998.

Originally the business specialsed in alternator and starter repairs, electronic fuel injection and all aspects of auto electrical repairs, including air conditioning.

When Gloucester Toyota closed, in October 2004, Jason took advantage of the available workshop space and moved Autoelec to its current location at 89-91 Church St.

While maintaining his expertise in auto electrical and air conditioning, the extra space allowed Jason to expand the buiseness to cover all aspects of mechanical service and repairs.

Auotelec now provides log book servicing for warranty compliance, and can repair or upgrade your brakes, suspension, steering, clutch, gearbox and driveline along with the more technical aspects of today’s modern vehicles, because they have installed the latest in systems diagnostic equipment.

They also cater for fleet maintenance for lease providers such as Fleet Card, Motor Charge, Custom Fleet, Leaseplan – the list goes on.

The expansion into a full service centre was made easier when light vehicle mechanic Dave Bradford, with more than 50 years experience, joined the team.

Dave’s vast experience on a range of machines includes all makes and models of cars and he specialises in 4WDs and LPG – Autoelec can now provide vehicle inspection and registration (pink slips) including LPG certification.

The youngest member of the Autoelec team is automotive electrical apprentice Zane Davies, who started his career in Febraury 2011.

Zane has actually completed his apprenticeship, but immediately extended it to earn his light vehicle mechanic qualification – which he will complete at the end of this year.

Jason has plans to restore the largest mechanical workshop in Gloucester to its former glory, with modern complete vehicle repair faiclities, while retaining the old-fashioned friendly service of the garages of yesteryear.

Facilities such as fuel and oil distribution are unique to this workshop and even old fashioned driveway fuel service from ‘handsome’ attendants.

Autoelec offers a free customer pick up and drop off service, and is open when you need a repair shop to be open – from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.

They’re even open on Saturday until lunch time.

And if your vehicle can’t be driven to the workshop, then Autoelec will come to you with their fully equipped 4WD mobile service vehicle for breakdowns and field service.

There’s more than just a mechanical workshop inside the building.

Step past the petrol pumps into the showroom, and Paul Cooke will show you a wide selection of products from Century Yuasa Batteries, Jaycar Electronics, Kleenheat LPG and Air Liquide Industrial Gases, Waeco mobile refrigeration, GME communications, Hi Tec Oils and Clarion Car Audio.

When you spend money at Autoelec you’re supporting a business that supports your town. Autoelec is a proud sponsor of local rugby league, junior soccer, golf, local schools, NAIDOC, demolition derby, junior rodeo and far too many charities to list.

Autoelec is a member of Bosch Car Service Network, the largest group of independent workshops in the world. And that means you can take advantage of their current promotion, the chance to win Bosch power tools.

Simply by having your vehicle serviced you go into the draw for the prize pool. Drop into Autoelec soon, and discover what’s hiding behind those old pumps out front, or call 6558 1600.