Stone Tyres expands with a new workshop in St Helens
Stone Tyres is an established independent tyre and vehicle servicing business in St Helens, Merseyside. With demand continuing to grow, owner John Stone invested in a new workshop close to their existing site to increase capacity and improve day-to-day efficiency.
End-to-end project support
MOT Projects supported the build from early planning through to equipment supply, installation coordination and MOT bay readiness. The brief was clear: create a practical, modern layout that helps the team work safely, maximises throughput, and supports Class 4 and Class 7 MOT testing.
Working closely with John, the team developed the workshop layout and coordinated key programme elements, including surveys, professional appointments, groundwork planning, and installation logistics. Support was also provided for the DVSA VT01 application process to help ensure the MOT bays met dimensional and equipment requirements.
A workshop set up for servicing and MOT testing
To support current servicing requirements and future growth, the new facility has been equipped with a combination of two-post lifts and two dedicated MOT test lanes.
The installation includes:
- Seven 2-post lifts
- A 5.7m Class 7 4-post ATL lift
- Brake testers positioned at the front of both test lanes
- Headlamp aligners positioned behind the lifts to support a smooth test flow
- Emissions testers, ancillary packs, jacking beams and decelerometers as part of complete Class 4 and Class 7 testing packages
John selected a mix of ATH-Heinl 2-post lifts to give maximum coverage:
- Five Comfort Lift 2.40 lifts, featuring an ultra-low 20mm drive-over plate to reduce obstruction and improve access
- Two baseless Comfort Lift 2.55XL lifts, suited to the larger vans regularly seen by the business
Each lift is also fitted with an Energy Set (mains and 12V sockets plus an airline connection), helping keep bays organised and reducing unnecessary clutter.
Additional capability: dual-gas air conditioning service
The workshop is also introducing dual-gas air conditioning servicing with the VeriCool V-549, supporting both R134a and R1234yf refrigerants. The machine includes an integrated database and printer to simplify record keeping, and its fully automatic process (recovery, vacuum and charging) reduces time spent monitoring the machine—freeing technicians to focus on other jobs.
Training to support compliance and long-term success
Alongside the equipment programme, John invested in management training through MOT Mastery. He completed the Level 3 Award in MOT Testing Centre Management, equipping him to run a successful MOT test station and manage the wider MOT responsibilities.
Building for the next stage of growth
With the new St Helens facility now in place, Stone Tyres is well positioned for an expanded service offering, improved workflow and MOT testing capability that supports long-term growth.
If you’re planning a workshop expansion or a new MOT bay installation, MOT Projects can support you from layout and equipment specification through to installation coordination and test lane readiness. Call our team on 0208 498 1288 or email sales@v-techuk.com