A major new force in the fragmented UK heavy truck parts aftermarket has been created, following significant investment in Digraph Transport Supplies Ltd (Digraph).

The majority investor is Sukhpal Singh Ahluwalia, best known as the founder and driving force behind Euro Car Parts Ltd (ECP) – the UK’s largest distributor of replacement parts for all makes of cars and vans. LKQ Corporation acquired ECP in October 2011.

Sukhpal has recently renewed his contract as Executive Chairman of all LKQ’s operations in UK and ROI, for a further three years. He is also a member of LKQ Corporation’s Board of Directors.

Further substantial investments have also been made by Euro Car Parts Ltd and by James Rawson, who remains as Managing Director of Digraph.

“Digraph is already one of the leading independent suppliers into the billion-pound heavy truck and trailer parts aftermarket,” comments Sukhpal. “With 14 branches already providing a superb service to their customers, our aim is to extend this legendary service to all parts of the UK with wider and deeper product ranges.”

In announcing these investments to his Digraph team, Managing Director James Rawson said: “This is great news for Digraph and its customers. The investment is going to enable Digraph to access to the resources we need to grow the business and implement our expansion plans. We will work closely with ECP to enhance customer service levels. I am thrilled to be working with Sukhpal and taking up the challenge of extending the Digraph service to customers throughout the UK.”

Sukhpal continues: “I am truly excited by the prospect of working with James Rawson and his talented and experienced Digraph team, all of whom are remaining with the company. I am particularly pleased that Digraph’s founder and outgoing Chairman, Peter Rawson, has also offered to stay on indefinitely, giving his invaluable advice. Peter is a motor trade hero and epitomises the Digraph maxim…‘Whatever it takes.’”

Euro Car Parts

About the Author: John Loughran