Royans Coachworks celebrates legacy of loyalty, trust, and lasting relationships

In an industry where service matters as much as skill, Royans Coachworks has built more than just a reputation – it’s built relationships.

For generations, customers have returned, not just because of the company’s expertise in repairing and restoring heavy vehicles, but because of the trust it has forged along the way.

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Founded in 1944, Royans began as a family-run business with a simple mission: to get heavy vehicles back on the road safely and efficiently. Over the decades, the company has grown into an industry leader that has expanded its servicing capabilities to suit various needs within the industry.

As one half of the combined Royans Coachworks, Coachworks has played a large part in this diverse success, bringing decades of experience to the repair giant.

“After joining with Royans back in 2020, we’ve been able to expand our reach and capabilities, with our customers benefiting from a wider network of locations, faster turnaround times and even more specialised expertise in bus and coach repairs,” Royans Coachworks branch manager Scott Isaacs told ABC.

“Now, as Royans Coachworks celebrates 80 years in the business, we are looking to do even more.”

In recent times, Royans Coachworks’ commitment to development means it is now beginning to expand its transport accident repair, spray painting and other capabilities.

“We have been working really hard to build on the brand and offer our customers an unparalleled service experience,” Isaacs says.

“We want to be able to cover as much ground as possible, and that means offering our customers a wide range of services and experiences.”

With Royans Coachworks extensive branch network, customers now have easier access to repair services across the country, reducing downtime and improving convenience.

While continuing to offer quality accident repairs, refurbishments and refinish services, the bus and coach repair company also continues to develop its services in the retrofitting of major components. This includes the installation of onboard facilities such as restrooms and seating solutions.

Royans Coachworks also offers industry support in auto electrical services including the repair and installation of electrical components as well as audio visual equipment and supply of audio visual systems.

“These are some of our core services and those that we want to continue building moving forward,” Isaacs says.

“Customers can come to us to a wide range of projects or ideas, and we will strive to make it a reality for them.”

Retrofitting has also become a large part of the company’s offerings, particularly in regard to wheelchair accessibility and Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) compliance.

“The industry is constantly evolving, and changes will always need to be made to buses to ensure they are kept up-to-date and fit certain criteria,” he says.

“The retrofitting of wheelchair accessibility solutions is a big part of what we do, and it’s become a major growth area for us.”

With the rise of zero emission buses (ZEB) and technology, the heavy vehicle industry is entering a new era, which Royans Coachworks is more than equipped to tackle.

Recognising that the future of transport will require new skills, technology and repair methods, Royans Coachworks technicians undergo continuous training to handle repairs in all areas including ZEB, ensuring they understand the complexities of high voltage systems, battery safety and new structural materials.

“Fleets are changing, and we wanted to make sure we were evolving alongside them,” Isaacs says.

“We’ve invested in our training and equipment so that we can support our clients as their fleets make the switch.”

Many of the company’s branches have been equipped with specialised repair bays, diagnostic tools and safety protocols tailored to electric vehicles, with the business working closely with manufacturers and industry bodies to stay ahead of evolving technology and regulatory requirements.

While Royans Coachworks has seen a fair amount of change in past few years, one thing has remained constant – its dedication to customer service.

Many of its customers have been with them for generations. Fleet managers who relied on the business decades ago now see their successors doing the same, trusting the company not just for its technical expertise, but for its consistency and customer-first approach.

One such loyal customer is Kangaroo Bus Lines. Offering a wide range of services for passengers, including school, urban and long-distance touring, outback Queensland tourist trips and cruise boat experiences, the operator prides itself on its commitment to customers and safety.

“We strive to provide safe, dependable and professional services to our customers, and a lot of that relies on who we choose to work with,” Kangaroo Bus Lines CEO Darren Webster told ABC.

“We have been working with Coachworks for almost three decades now. They do all our major smash and accident repairs and certain modifications, like seatbelt modifications, wheelchairs, anything like that.”

The relationship began back in the ‘90s when Webster’s father Darryl and Isaac’s father Evan became friends.

“They had known each other from back in the Denning days, and when the Isaacs family decided to start Coachworks, my father wasn’t far behind,” Webster says.

“We were probably one of their first customers and have been there ever since.”

While friendships and loyalty can take a company far, Webster says it’s Royans Coachworks commitment to excellence that keeps him coming back.

“They do quality work that is second to none,” Webster says.

“They truly care about the customer and the outcome and put everything into it. That’s why we keep coming back.”