Manheim will open its 'UK first' double-blocking auction centre on Monday at its Bruntingthorpe site, following a multi-million-pound investment.

The upgraded facility boasts to be “the most capable and flexible vehicle auction centre in the UK” and will support sales programmes of all sizes, specialising in single ‘super sales’ of 600 vehicles or more.

In addition to new facilities, Manheim is also the first to bring double blocking to the UK from the US.

Double blocking enables more vehicles to be sold simultaneously by increasing the number of rostrums per lane.

With four rostrums across two lanes at Bruntingthorpe, Manheim predicts an increase in stock throughput of 60%.

Cox Automotive’s managing director of inventory solutions Tim Hudson said: “Bruntingthorpe is a next generation auction centre and represents a big step forward for the industry.

“We’ve had fantastic feedback from clients about the changes already and it’s creating a real buzz in the marketplace.

“We have invested in advanced AV technology, a state-of-the-art audio system and a premium executive lounge to offer the ultimate buying experience.

“The industry-first introduction of double blocking will maximise prime time selling opportunities, increase stock throughput for our clients, and ultimately help them to sell more vehicles.”

BMW Group UK’s remarketing operations manager Stewart Hodges said: “We’re very proud to be partnering with Manheim to launch the new site on Monday.

"Manheim auctions has always been hugely successful for BMW Group UK Ltd, and we look forward to building on this with the Bruntingthorpe centre.”

For the launch, Manheim is partnering with the charity Ben to help raise awareness of the not-for-profit organisation. 

It will also raise funds for Ben by donating a percentage of proceeds from every auction throughout launch week, to the charity.

Hudson said: “In addition to fund-raising, we’ve invited Ben to join us for the launch so they can talk to our guests about their support services.

"Ben is dedicated to supporting people in our industry and offers advice on everything from mental health to finance issues.

“We are proud to partner with this fantastic charity as part of the launch at Bruntingthorpe.”