MicroSlat helps car enthusiasts create their dream garage

Now a North-East company is helping transform ordinary garages into the ultimate pit stop for petrolheads.

Darlington-based MicroSlat International, a global leading manufacturer and designer of aluminium slatwall and point-of-sale display systems, is hoping its premium products will become the de facto premium choice for well-heeled enthusiasts looking to create their dream garage.

The recently worked with retired investment banker William Coales, to help design and create an innovative storage system for his garage – and hopes the project could lead to more orders from car enthusiasts.

Mr Coales, who lives in London, has spent more than ten years and £20,000 modifying his garage - a former coach house - to his exact specifications.

Among the impressive extras he added to make life easier was a powered sliding floor which parks his car perfectly so his wife’s vehicle can fit alongside.

Mr Coales explained: “Because it is an old coach house the door to the garage is off-centre and to get two cars alongside each other one had to be manoeuvred over to the right. By adding a sliding platform, I can drive in, press a switch and the car is automatically moved into position.”

When it came to storage Mr Coales wasn’t prepared to compromise. He specified MicroSlat’s aluminium slatwall to hold his tools and garden machinery off the floor.

MicroSlat’s aluminium slatwall products are well established in the retail environment where they are used by Harrods, in London’s Knightsbridge, Hamley’s world famous toy store, fashion chains and telecoms companies but Mr Coales’ garage was a first for the company.

Managing director Terry Dady said: “We already know our product is the Rolls-Royce in the slatwall market but this has been the first opportunity to demonstrate how useful it can be in an automotive environment.”

Mr Coales said: “Bespoke garage conversion companies offered me a plastic alternative but there was no comparison with MicroSlat. Plastic looks nice for a couple of years but it can fade in direct sunlight and it doesn’t have the strength I needed. I was spending a lot of money and I wasn’t prepared to compromise.

“I spent months scouring the country looking for exactly the right product – and MicroSlat ticked all the boxes.”

Mr Dady, who designed the MicroSlat system himself, said: “I always say that the only limit for MicroSlat is your imagination and I’m delighted Mr Coales loves his new garage.”

MicroSlat’s aluminium slatwall systems reclaim garage floor space by neatly hanging or shelving hand/power tools, garden equipment, golf clubs, bicycles and much more. By accommodating all universal metal and acrylic standard or customised slatwall fixings and accessories, MicroSlat will meet every possible storage and display requirement imaginable for commercial or domestic garages.

Mr Dady added: “MicroSlat is the perfect partner for a dream garage project. Our unique aluminium design slatwall systems can take the rough with the smooth - they are moisture and fire resistant and will not deteriorate/fade with age. It is extremely strong, with a sleek modern look which will stand the test of time.

“Unlike MDF or plastic systems, aluminium MicroSlat can be powder coated to any colour required. It can therefore, be refurbished after many years of use if required for greater longevity.

“With MicroSlat you can turn your garage into a beautiful, stylish and functional workspace.”