THE logistics of moving a car dealership were realised last Friday when Clancy Ford packed up and moved to its brand new location at Kelso.
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The business has been spread across four CBD locations for 59 years, the most well-known being the Clancy Ford site on Howick Street.
The dealership, which had outgrown its city sites, has now moved to a sprawling 13,000 square metre, purpose-built development on the Great Western Highway at Kelso.
The move between sites not only involved staff and office furniture, but also 160 cars.
Clancy Ford dealer-principal Michael Pentecost said the relocation was not a case of bigger is better.
“One site is key. It’s easier for staff and customers and a much better overall experience,” he said.
The new location has a new and improved parts and service centre, and a courtesy bus to help customers travel to and from the site.
And new staff will soon be needed at the site across a range of occupations.
“Part of our investment was not just infrastructure, but in people,” Mr Pentecost said.
Clancy Ford’s most familiar face and longest-serving employee, Jim Hallahan, who has worked in the business since it first opened in 1957, was involved with the move.
“I was bowser boy back then,” Mr Hallahan reminisced about his days as a 15-year-old at the car yard.
“I’ve enjoyed the work and I’ve only had four bosses since I started, and they’ve all been good to me.”
In 1958, dealership founder Norrie Clancy moved the business from its original location on the corner of Charlotte Street and the Great Western Highway (where Shell now stands) to its Howick Street site.
“It was virtually just an old blacksmith’s shop then,” Mr Hallahan said.
Mr Hallahan, who is now employed as a sales manager, admitted walking away from the Howick Street dealership as the doors were closed for the final time on Friday was “pretty emotional”.
“But it’s exciting, it’s certainly exciting for the future of Clancy Motors,” he said.
Mr Pentecost said that while the roadworks continue nearby, entry to the dealership will be at the Sydney end of the site.
Despite the inconvenience of the roadworks, which are due to finish in October, Mr Pentecost is confident Clancy Motors will retain its loyal customer base.
