RESIDENTS in Heathcote are spoiled for choice when it comes to car repairs with the town boasting four auto workshops.<\/p>\n
They all have a good relationship with each other and all have stories to tell.<\/p>\n
Tony and Sue Bier decided to \u2018go out on their own\u2019 in 1979, after Tony served his apprenticeship at the former Elsbury Motors.<\/p>\n
\u201cTony had gained valuable experience in the motor trade in his time with Elsbury Motors,\u201d said Ms Bier.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt the time, Heathcote had a Holden, Ford and Chrysler dealer, a tyre service and several independently owned workshops.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe built a new purpose-built workshop on High Street and became A & S Bier Motors.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur initial customer base consisted of many Elsbury Motors customers familiar with Tony\u2019s work ethic, customer focussed service, mechanical knowledge and ability.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith dedication and hard work, and a few of the other dealers closing down, came continued growth in the business.\u201d<\/p>\n
Extensions have been added over the years to the workshop, as well as a new office and a larger spare parts area to accommodate increasing workloads.<\/p>\n
\u201cOver the years the business employed a number of qualified mechanics and trained many apprentices,” said Ms Bier.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe also gave many secondary students, both boys and girls, an insight and introduction into the automotive industry.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe business has experienced recession, droughts and economic hard times, the introduction of GST and an ever-changing automotive industry.<\/p>\n
\u201cThrough it all we strived to provide customers with accurate, honest and efficient service.\u201d<\/p>\n
After completing VCE in 1993, their son Vincent became the business’ last apprentice.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith experienced workmates to learn from and an eagerness to understand and move with new technology, Vincent brought valuable skills to the business,\u201d said Ms Bier.<\/p>\n
\u201cAfter working for more than 40 years, illness forced Tony into early retirement.<\/p>\n
\u201cVincent looked after the day-to-day operations of the workshop while I handled reception and accounts.<\/p>\n
\u201cThen, in 2017, when I retired, Vincent took over the business.\u201d<\/p>\n
Since then, A & S Bier Motors has expanded its services to include tyre fitting and repairs, and a large range of spare parts.<\/p>\n
\u201cOver the past 45 years, A & S Bier Motors became an institution, and I am proud of what we achieved,\u201d said Ms Bier.<\/p>\n
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