1985

David Peters started Kent Curtainsider Services in July 1985, a franchise linked to a trailer manufacturing company called Boalloy who were based in Congleton, Cheshire. With ten pounds in the bank, a large overdraft, one van and a garage full of spares he covered the southeast of England, attending customers’ premises to work on damaged curtainsided vehicles and trailers and to deliver spare parts. At his house he had a desk in the bedroom, where his wife Jan took telephone calls from the customers, arranged for Dave to do the work and she also attended to the bookkeeping and accounts.

1989

By January 1989, work had become far too much for one person so Dave invited Roger Clark to join the company as a partner. With Roger’s mechanical and curtainsider repair skills the company grew very quickly. They both worked extremely long hours. More staff were employed as the company grew and the mechanical side became very much in demand to repair and maintain customers commercial vehicles. The work was always carried out at the customers premises thus avoiding “down time” and loss of earnings for the customer.

1994

The stores were growing too large for the two garages and a farm building was rented to accommodate them. An extension to Dave’s house was also built to accommodate a proper office. At this time it was decided to alter the name of Kent Curtainsider Services to K.C.S. as the original name did not reflect the complete services the company could now offer. K.C.S. Group now meant a complete commercial vehicle repair service could be offered, top to bottom and front to back. The company grew and grew with more staff joining the workforce at various times

1996

January in 1996, K.C.S. Group moved into a ready built industrial unit in Sittingbourne and centralised the stores, office and workshops under one roof. By this time there were twelve staff and ten mobile repair vans (Ford Transits) – all fully equipped.

1999

At the begining of 1999, K.C.S. Group expanded by purchasing the adjoining unit and doubling the size of the workshops. The office was upgraded and moved into the next premises, the old office area being converted into a large stores unit.

2003

A one and a half acre commercial site was purchased and further expansion was planned with new buildings and purpose built workshops along with large parking areas. This land was opposite the existing workshops and would add a great potential for more specialised work to be implemented.

2007

2007 marked the start of a new parts department that was set up in response to the demise of the trailer manufacturer Boalloy in October. With our extensive network of suppliers, we were able to continue to supply all Boalloy parts at extremely competitive prices. We also found by buying from the right sources, we could supply most other parts, also at highly competitive prices. At the same time, work began redesigning and updating the company website. We also started to create a new body parts catalogue covering all trailer manufacturers. We hoped this would provide our customers with a ‘one stop shop’ with all their parts requirements.

2008

June of 2008 marked the start of the groundwork’s for the new KCS workshop site opposite our old site. Within a few short months the building was standing and watertight, the block paved parking area and inside work had began and was almost completed by Christmas.

2009

The big move! KCS moved across to their our premises in May, which was no mean feat when you consider we continued to work throughout the move. Although moving only a couple of hundred yards away, 13 years of work and clutter had to be sorted, catalogued and moved. After a successful move we began work in a more efficient manner with every thing set up as we wanted.

2010 Onwards

With the publication of the new parts catalogue Soon, we hope the next few years will be an exciting and prosperous time for all.