A huge garage chain is to close 86 branches, including two in Swindon, leaving hundreds of jobs at risk across the UK.
On February 18, ATS Euromaster announced proposals to begin a ‘structured wind down’ of its operations in the UK, leading to several proposed site closures across the country.
Included in the sites which are likely to close are two in Swindon – at the Cheney Manor Industrial Estate and at the site on Hobley Drive.
A spokesperson from ATS Euromaster said four people work at the Cheney site and three at the Hobley site, all now at risk of redundancy.
A spokesperson from ATS Euromaster told the Adver: “We have been unable to find a buyer for the ATS Euromaster business in it entirety.
“A total of 49 centres are therefore proposed for sale to two buyers. Subject to the completion of these sales, 216 employees across the 49 sites are expected to transfer to the new owners under TUPE regulations.
“Unfortunately, at this time, it is proposed that the sites not being purchased by either buyer will cease trading on or shortly after 1 May 2026.
“703 roles will be placed at risk of redundancy across the Aston-based head office, call centre, and remaining 103 points of sale if the proposals proceed.
“The two centres in Swindon form part of the 103.”
35 points of sale are proposed to be sold to Formula One Autocentres, and 14 to S&M Tyres, which trades as Elite Garages.
The reduced scale of the ATS network would mean that it would no longer be viable for them to operate in the UK.
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A comprehensive package of support for employees will be agreed as part of the collective consultation process, including specialist outplacement support and access to a 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme.
There is a proposal to invite 13 staff in the specialist role of mobile night technician to transfer to Tructyre, a separate Euromaster Group business which offers a 100 per cent mobile tyre service for the UK’s bus, coach, truck and trailer markets.
Halfords, the UK’s leading provider of motoring services and products, has also offered interviews to all staff impacted by the announced ATS closures.
Adam Pay, managing director of Autocentres and Mobile Network at Halfords, said: “We’re pleased to be supporting ATS colleagues by exploring employment opportunities and helping ensure motorists continue to have access to trusted, convenient automotive services in their local communities.
“Keeping drivers safely on the road and supporting the wider industry through periods of change is an important priority for us.”
Nick Harley, group managing director of Euromaster UK, added: “Today’s announcement marks an extremely sad and difficult moment for everyone in the company.
“We recognise the impact this will have on our colleagues, their families, and the communities ATS Euromaster serves, and it is not a decision we have taken lightly.
“Despite the team’s massive efforts to reshape the business, improve financial performance, and secure a sustainable future, a combination of intense market competition, sluggish activity within the sector and rising costs have left us with no viable path forward to a break-even position.
“Our number one priority now is to treat every employee fairly and respectfully, fully appreciating that many have enjoyed long careers with us.
“Colleagues transferring to the new owners will do so with continuity and stability, while those in locations proposed for closure will be supported through collective consultation.”
This announcement comes after the closure of 86 of ATS’ most unprofitable centres in 2025 was not enough to halt significant financial loss for the organisation.
The potential closures affect ATS Euromaster only, and no other part of the Euromaster Group.
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