Full Workshop Refurbishment Exeter

At Straightset, we don’t just help customers create brand-new workshops; we also specialise in transforming existing spaces into modern, efficient environments built to meet today’s demands. This was exactly the case with our latest project, which involved helping to refurbish an existing Porsche dealership in Exeter, equipping it with brand-new, future-ready workshop equipment.

Workshop refurbishments typically involve more planning than new-build projects, particularly when the site needs to remain operational throughout. Maintaining daily workshop activity was a key consideration from the outset, meaning installations had to be carefully phased and carried out over multiple site visits. This project was made even more unique by the fact that it wasn’t just a refurbishment, but also an extension of the existing workshop, allowing the dealership to expand its service offering and overall capacity.

Minimising disruption was a major priority during the project, as uninterrupted operation was essential to protect revenue and avoid customer inconvenience. This directly influenced the decision to install above-ground vehicle lifts throughout the workshop. Unlike in-ground lift cassettes, which require extensive excavation works, above-ground systems allowed us to avoid sometimes costly, disruptive groundwork and significantly reduce installation time. Phasing the work in conjunction with the developer incrementally also ensured workshop downtime was kept to an absolute minimum.

The refurbishment itself was centred around future-proofing the workshop while maximising efficiency and flexibility. A key aspect of the installation was the fitting of nine brand new EV 2-post vehicle lifts, complete with articulated lifting pads specifically designed for servicing electric vehicles, ensuring the workshop is fully prepared for the evolving demands of the automotive industry. To further enhance capability, we installed a dedicated wheel alignment bay featuring a wheel-free scissor lift, alongside an electro-hydraulic platform scissor lift to support a wide range of service and repair tasks. The project included the integration of a bespoke modular workbench system with oil dispensing, compressed air, top-up water and lubrication dispensing services, vehicle exhaust extraction and distribution pipework, and a complete oil monitoring and stock solution.

Projects like these are especially rewarding when we receive positive feedback from our customers. The site manager commented: “The Straightset engineers did a cracking job, we are really happy with the work, thank you!”

We remain fully committed to supporting our customers not just throughout the installation process but long after completion as well. To ensure the smooth running of this particular project after installation, we strengthened our national after-sales support and employed an experienced technician living locally to the Exeter site. All done to allow any initial teething issues, additional training requirements, or technical support needs to be addressed quickly and efficiently.

Refurbishments like this aren’t just about updating your workshop; they create a foundation for growth, innovation, and long-term success. With decades of experience supporting workshops across the country, we ensure every refurbishment is tailored to your exact needs, enhancing efficiency, safety, and operational performance.
At Straightset, we’re equipped to support almost any workshop requirement, whether it’s fitting out a brand-new facility, modernising an existing space, or sourcing replacement equipment and parts. No matter the size of the project, if you’re looking for a nationwide, complete, one-stop workshop solution, you can rely on Straightset.