Newry based accident management firm opens £500k operational hub

Newry's CRASH Services is marking 30 years in business with an investment of almost £500,000 in new premises in Mallusk, creating a dedicated operational hub to support its growing fleet and team.

ADVERTISEMENT

Founded in 1996 by local businessman Michael McKeown and led since 2015 by his son Jonathan McKeown, CRASH Services has grown to become the north's best-known accident management company, with offices in Belfast, Newry, Derry and now Mallusk. The business provides motorists with a complete service after a collision, covering recovery and repairs, replacement vehicles, insurance assistance, legal support and medical services.

The new facility spans 6,579 sq. ft on a 1.7-acre site and has been designed to help manage and maintain CRASH's fleet of more than 630 vehicles, enabling faster vehicle turnaround and helping customers return to the road with minimal disruption following a collision.

The site includes purpose-built wash bays and full valeting facilities, a water recycling system that captures and reuses water used in vehicle cleaning, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure capable of charging up to six hybrid or electric vehicles simultaneously.

Jonathan McKeown, CEO of CRASH Services, said: "Reaching 30 years in business is a milestone we're incredibly proud of. This investment in Mallusk reflects the scale of our growth and the continued trust motorists place in us. What began as a small family business has grown into a sector leader, and that's down to the dedication of our team and the strong partnerships we've built over the years."

The company has supported over 150,000 motorists in Northern Ireland, with non-fault case numbers rising by more than 200% since 2000. Staff numbers have grown by 50% over the past five years, with the team expected to reach 140 in 2026.

Over the past 12 months, 99% of customers who returned surveys said they would recommend CRASH, and the company has maintained ISO 9001 certification across all sites for 16 consecutive years.

CRASH Services was also among the first employers in Northern Ireland to introduce a four-day working week with no loss of pay. Since 2020, staff hours have reduced from 35 to 28 per week.

McKeown added: "Our goal has always been simple, to take the hassle away for motorists after a collision. We act with care, we act quickly, and we act in the customer's best interests. As we look ahead, we'll continue investing in our people, our fleet and our facilities to ensure we remain best in class."