Award winning workshop Cooper Barnes Automotive has reported a sharp increase in the number of vehicles requiring ADAS calibration, prompting the creation of a dedicated 5,000sq ft calibration and mechanical workshop at its expanded Cambridge site.
The business, which recently relocated and doubled in size, now employs 17 staff and continues to grow in response to fast-moving vehicle technology and rising demand for in-house calibration.
“Every other car we see now needs some form of calibration. That simply was not the case 12 months ago,” said Matt Cooper, Managing Director of Cooper Barnes Automotive. “We have been in this industry for 40 years. While we have always known autonomy was coming, the speed at which it’s landed has been staggering.”
In house for Cooper Barnes Automotive
Until recently, all calibration and coding work was handled on-site by mobile technicians from A1 ADAS Group, a relationship Cooper describes as faultless.
“We are seeing so many ADAS-equipped vehicles that it reached a point where I was seeing more of A1’s team than my own. That is when we knew it was time to bring it in-house,” he said.
Rather than source equipment from multiple suppliers, Cooper Barnes Automotive turned to A1 to specify, supply, and support the full setup. Working closely with A1’s Iain Molloy and Matt Hume, the business invested in the Autel IA900WA system, which combines ADAS calibration with four-wheel alignment functionality.
It also upgraded its existing diagnostic tablet to the MS909 and purchased all the necessary targets, boards, and mats to cover a wide range of vehicle makes.
“A1 helped us choose the right system for our space and volume, advised us on training routes for the ADAS qualifications, and made sure we’ll see a return on investment as soon as possible,” said Cooper.
Confidence is key
For A1, the partnership is an example of how repairers can evolve with confidence when supported by the right people.
“ADAS is a safety system, potentially a lifesaving one,” added Iain Molloy, Managing Director of A1 ADAS Group. “Working on it is not simply about putting a light out on the dash.
“Workshops like Cooper Barnes Automotive understand how critical it is that calibrations are carried out correctly. Our role is to help them integrate that service; not just by selling equipment, but by offering long-term support, technical expertise and solutions that deliver value.”
The new facility sits alongside Cooper Barnes Automotive’s existing 13,500sqft bodyshop and is designed to streamline workflow, reduce vehicle movement and keep safety-critical calibrations under one roof.
With three new technicians joining the team in recent months, the business is well-positioned to increase throughput while maintaining quality.
“I cannot overstate how valuable A1’s support is,” Cooper added. “They are not just box shifters; they genuinely want to help you do the job right. That is what makes them a true ADAS partner.”
