Manheim has acquired Saltash Car Auctions in Cornwall.

The deal brings Manheim’s UK network up to 19 centres.

The new auction site is situated at the gateway to Cornwall, just across the River Tamar from Plymouth. Occupying purpose-built premises, the four-acre site holds twice weekly sales on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with entries regularly around 200 vehicles in each sale.

John Bailey, Manheim’s chief executive, said: “Saltash might not be one of our biggest sites but, in today’s very competitive market, it’s important to provide truly geographical coverage for our customers.

“Our flagship centre in Bristol has covered the West Country very well for many years however it’s great that we’ve now got the opportunity to take full advantage of the very strong used vehicle market in the local area.”

Bailey also announced that Simon Wells, who returns from a Manheim USA executive exchange trip in February, will be appointed as the new centre manager. He also confirmed that all existing staff will transfer across to the Manheim payroll.