WHAT started out as a trip to buy Japanese car parts 11 years ago ended up as a Welshpool-based company that is a leading supplier of used parts and engines.
Car enthusiast Tony Ghantous created Perth Auto Parts which buys niche car parts from manufacturers and stores them at its 7,000 square metre yard in Ewing Street .
Tony and his wife Linda are still involved in the business, over-seeing the local business and the company’s financial affairs but their son Riard plays a major role in sourcing its stock.
Riard, who speaks Japanese fluently and is married to a Japanese woman, conducts regular trips to Japan to locate the hard to find auto parts.
At just 31 years old his hard work and ambition have been recognised with a Youth in Family Business Award from Family Business Australia.
Mr Ghantous said the business supplied high performance motors and parts to car enthusiasts.
The business’s chief rivals are wrecking yards and Japanese car manufacturers.
However, over the past decade Perth Auto Parts has succeeded in building up close relationships with suppliers in Japan.
“In Japan they don’t keep their cars for as long as we do or do as many kilometres so they are still fairly good quality,” Mr Ghantous said.
The business has also been able to capitalise on the low volume scheme that allows it to import 25 vehicles a year from overseas without incurring import duties.
The firm holds parts for around 30 different types of vehicles.
Mr Ghantous said one of the difficulties was having a lot of capital tied up in stock.
He said the work was very seasonal as well.
During summer there is strong demand for new engines and air-conditioners, while in winter, the need for engines dries up and car panels grow in popularity.
