THE Thirsk business famed for its work re-engineering one of Land Rover’s most iconic vehicles has announced a £100,000 investment in launching a new division ahead of unveiling plans for the future of Twisted.

Twisted Automotive has made a name for itself internationally as a specialist in enhancing and re-engineering Land Rover Defenders.

After Land Rover announced it was ceasing to make the Defender model in 2016, Twisted purchased some of the last vehicles from the production line, and is now one of the biggest stockists in the country.

Now the business has revealed it will be announcing its new long term strategy “in the weeks ahead”, in a move that will “help shape the future of the Defender”.

Twisted founder and managing director Charles Fawcett will also outline his plans for the last remaining brand new Defender.

As part of the business’s new chapter, Twisted has launched a dedicated Coach-works sector of the business at its Thirsk-based operations, following a £100,000 investment.

The business has made four new appointments in total. Chris Johnson has been appointed as the new floor operations director, to co-ordinate all processes within the workshop, while the new, dedicated LR (Land Rover) Coach-works team consists of experienced spray technicians, Paul Thomson, Eddie Doyle and David Douglas, recruited from the original Defender manufacturer.

The team will work full-time for Twisted, as the business continues its expansion by bringing in-house a service it had previously out-sourced to local experts.

LR Coach-works will manage and execute all aspects of paint and bodywork, including the preparation of vehicles for further engineering in the Twisted workshop.

Mr Fawcett said: “As we prepare to enter the next chapter of the company’s history, we’re very excited to reveal details of our new expanded LR Coach-works operation.

“Since the business’s establishment in 2001, we have worked alongside the finest local craftsmen to deliver this service and to bring it in-house is the next natural step for us.”

New floor operations manager, Chris Johnson, said: “I’m very excited to help streamline processes within the workshop, including the new LR Coach-works division. I look forward to working with the new team to ensure the business’s excellent automotive standards are upheld, while helping to enhance the business’s overall offering.”