Japanese car tuner Whifbitz has opened its first garage and parts store outside London after leasing a 2,000 sq ft industrial unit on Severnbridge Industrial Estate in Caldicot through joint property agents, M4 Property Consultants and Alder King.

Established in Enfield in north London in 2000, Whifbitz services and modifies all makes and models of Japanese performance cars including Toyota, Honda, Mazda, Lexus and Mitsubishi. It has developed its own range of products and has a particular expertise in the iconic sports car, the Toyota Supra.

Paul Whiffin, of Whifbitz , said: “We already have an established customer base in Wales and the south west and wanted to open a workshop in the area to make it easier for our customers to bring their cars to us. Initially we will be employing two staff with a view to expanding as demand increases and hopefully growing to five within the next 18 months.”

Paul said: “Our customers are ‘petrol heads’ and like to come to the garages to view the parts for themselves. The location is ideal providing easy access via the motorway system from the region.”

The company will be hosting an open day in the near future for customers to come and have a look around the new workshop.

Harry Dee, of M4 Property Consultants, said: "Severnbridge Industrial Estate is the ideal location to serve both south Wales and the south west of England, which is what Whifbitz are hoping to do. Demand for the estate has been strong recently with a number of other deals in the pipeline. However, there are still a number of units available ranging from 2,300 sq ft to 7,500 sq ft."

M4 Property Consultants and Alder King acted on behalf of the landlord FI Real Estate Management. Whifbitz were unrepresented and signed a three-year lease at an undisclosed rent.