Autoparts (S.Wales) Ltd. is the oldest business in the town of Pontypridd, South Wales that is still trading and its title is noted in the Muni Musem of Pontypridd. It was established in 1963 by an ex-World War II RAF pilot Harvey Nicholas Edwards.

History

Harvey originally traded purely in car batteries from home in the Rhondda Valleys — buying batteries in bulk from a local garage and distributing throughout South Wales. During his weekly journey from West Wales he stopped at a local garage in Llanelli, owned by a Mr.Jones. Fortunately for Harvey, Mr. Jones was the trade union representative for the one of the local mines to which everyone in the area came to with their car troubles! As time went on Harvey began making daily trips to Llanelli and a purpose built property was needed, so for the wholesome fee of £100 a house was bought and converted to a shop.

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As the business expanded by becoming members of the FSG buying group, the need for more space increased and so the business was moved to an old banana warehouse — storing bananas from Jamaica. Autoparts are the among the oldest members of motor factor buying groups in the UK and are now into the third generation of family owners, operating from the old banana warehouse.

Incorporated into current warehouse today is part of the original wall and masonry stamp from back in the day of the Coal rush. The Great Western Railway mainline from the Rhondda valleys to the ports at Cardiff went through the land of the warehouse.

External links

Autoparts (S.Wales) Ltd. website

Quniton Hazel car parts manufacturer