General News
31 May, 2023
Aitken Bros to close after 40 years
AITKEN brothers Bill and Mark prepare to close the doors to their automotive mechanic and bus line business after more than 40 years operating in Terang.
AITKEN brothers Bill and Mark prepare to close the doors to their automotive mechanic and bus line business after more than 40 years operating in Terang.
The duo first opened their doors to humble beginnings in January 1983, but have made the difficult decision to formally close the business from Friday, June 16 as the pair look to their retirements.
Mark acknowledged the moment was bittersweet, feeling a mixture of sadness, happiness and excitement to step in to retirement.
“It’s been a long time, but nothing is forever,” he said.
The business has adapted a number of times over the years. Originally the High Street site was a Ford dealership which closed in 1981 before the brother’s made the decision to go in to business.
“At the start we were just selling petrol from a kerbside bowser,” Bill said.
“There used to be a car yard in the lot beside the current building, and we put a new service station site in there which was open for nine or 10 years.
“During that time, we started mechanical work, but that got too much with the service station.
“We got sick of working seven days a week, and a lot of hours, so we decided to do the mechanical work.”
In addition, Aitken Bros operated a tow truck for more than 15 years, and have added busses to the fleet for 22 years.
“One bus grew to four buses and so on, to where we are today,” Mark said.
“It was exciting, but you probably didn’t realise at the time.
“It just slowly progressed over the years.”
The brothers thanked the Terang and district community for its support over the years; from the loyal employees of the business through to supportive customers.
“Everyone has been really good around here,” Mark said.
“It’s been really good, so thanks to Terang and the broader community for their patronage.”
Cobden Coaches have agreed to purchase the businesses Derrinallum depot and the Aitken Bros fleet of buses from July 1.
“We’ll be driving buses part time until maybe Christmas,” Bill said.
“Then after that, I’m off on holiday.”
Mark said remaining on part-time in a bid to ensure Cobden Coaches’ expansion will be a successful one was important to the duo.
“It’s not easy to get bus drivers a lot of the time, and we want to give new people the time to settle in with us still being around to offer support or lend a hand,” he said.
Options are open with the Terang depot and mechanics building, which the brothers agreed could be sold or leased.
“Who knows – we’re not worried about that until we get the other side of things is settled first,” Bill said.
