Over 25 Years of Service
Damian Sawyer who is the founder and current Managing Director of Sawyer Autosmart has over 33 years experience in the motor industry. He formed the business over 28 years ago and in that time has been providing quality craftsmanship repairs to customers in Crawley and the surrounding area. The company continues to grow and has built up a solid reputation for good quality, auto body repairs, mechanical repairs and servicing, all competitively priced, whether it’s for a small family car, light commercial vehicle or a top of the range prestige model.
History
Damian Sawyers grew up in Ireland. When he left school in 1976, he had a career in the motor industry firmly in his sights. He joined a Rally Support Team as an apprentice Panel Beater/ Sprayer. He quickly gathered valuable experience working with high performance cars and very hi-tech equipment, including bodywork re-alignment jigs. After completing his apprenticeship, Damian joined a Main Ford Dealership in Athlane Ireland where he continued to specialise in operating hi-tech equipment. Damian’s reputation in the industry was spreading quickly and in 1981, he was approached to join a prestigious Accident Repair Centre in Balleymahon Co Offaly. They specialised in Mercedes-Benz body repairs and felt that Damian would suit the marque. His career took a fast track when he was promoted to Bodyshop Manager. In the recession that hit Ireland in the 80s, Damian decided to move to the UK as he was determined to start his own Accident Repair Centre. He finally chose Crawley as his new home.
In 1990, Damian decided to work as a self-employed contractor for a Repair Centre in Crawley. He did this to enable him to build up his business and start purchasing vital equipment that he could use in future years. Then in 1991, he purchased Sarnia House in Spindle Way Crawley. This enabled Damian and the business to win some large fleet contracts from companies like DHL, Enterprise Car Hire and the Sussex Ambulance Service. They have continually added to their list of Insurance Company Approvals and in 2005, were awarded with MVRA Quality Assurance. The company continued to grow and at the beginning of 2008, purchased an adjacent building in Spindle Way to expand their operation and facilitate their growing team of over 20 staff.
During 2009, the business applied to become a recognised Mercedes-Benz qualified body repairer. This was achieved by passing stringent manufacturer procedures and by a massive investment into the business enabling the purchase of specialist equipment and giving the staff additional training.
