Family-owned Renault dealership Gravells of Kidwelly is to build a new £3 million workshop and showroom in an expansion that could create up to 20 new jobs.

The company, which has been trading in Kidwelly, Wales, for 75 years and is to redevelop a seven-acre site off Pembrey Road, currently occupied in part by the Gravells Direct used car centre.

Gravells has received planning permission for the new 20,000 sq ft building, which will house an 18-bay workshop, reception and showroom area with room for three cars to be displayed.

The site will also accommodate an outdoor display of 200 used cars, parts store and training rooms.

“The expansion is driven by the growth in sales we have experienced in recent years,” said general manager Jonathan Gravell.

“Although we are based in a town of 3,000 people we retail 4,000 cars a year. With such a large customer base, we need to expand our sales and after sales facilities so we can continue to deliver the high standard of service our customers expect,” added Gravell.

The service operation is currently based in a workshop behind the main showroom on Banc Pendre in Kidwelly. “The site has served us well for 30 years, but by moving our workshop to Pembrey Road, we will be able to dedicate the Banc Pendre site purely to sales and make further improvements there.

The expansion plans are expected to be completed by autumn 2008.