Aldon Automotive, in Brierley Hill, has been sold to a long-time customer and car enthusiast following the retirement of company founder Alan Goodwin who started the business more than 55 years ago in his father’s factory in Smethwick.
The company, under the direction of Alan and partner Don Loughlin, went on to become one of the country’s leading authorities for road and race performance engine tuning.
Alan, aged 81, said: “We are a very long established tuning company and are proud to have built up such a strong reputation for our rolling road and servicing work, together with the supply of upgrades for all makes of vintage, classic and historic racing cars, also specialising in Weber carburettor set ups.”
A well-known competitor in the Midlands hill climbing scene, Alan built his own sports racing car in 1971 and enjoyed success in various hill climb championships.
He also drove in a variety of disciplines, dating back to the 60s and 70s, including Formula 3, Touring Cars and rallying, and for 10 years Aldon Automotive was the main sponsor of the Hill Climb & Sprint Association (HSA) Championship.
Now aged 81, he’s decided it’s time to put the brakes on his long and successful career and time for someone else to drive forward the company which is based in Station Drive.
He said: “I am delighted that Redditch-based engineering company owner and long-time Aldon customer, Julian Crossley, has bought the company and is taking over the reins.”
Julian, who has a personal collection of classic and racing cars, added: “I am well aware of the incredible reputation that Aldon Automotive has developed over the years and I am looking forward to building and expanding on that as we move forward.”
Major investment is being put into the Aldon workshops and customer facilities on site are being improved, he said – adding that he is “very keen” to maintain good relationships with customers and to “attract the next generation of classic car owners”.
He also added: “We will of course, be utilising the vast knowledge and experience of the long-serving Aldon staff as we look to bring the next generation of engineers into our business and thankfully Alan will be on hand for a few months to lend his assistance and continue to extend the fantastic legacy that he has created.”
