About us & our people
From Mike's first garage in the early 1980s to Andrew, Callum and a team of technicians, MOT testers and support staff today.
AJ Garage Services is a family-run automotive business that has been trading in Caerleon for over 35 years. We offer a full range of services on a wide range of vehicle classes: standard family cars, motorcycles, vans, minibuses, coaches, horse boxes, buses and HGVs.
The business was founded by Mike Joenn in the early 1980s and originally traded as Miall Motors. In those early days it was principally focused on HGV work, Mike having served his time at the heavy goods end of the motor trade. The move towards lighter vehicles, and ultimately domestic cars, started in the 1990s.
Around this time, in 1996, Andrew Joenn joined his dad in the business after serving his time elsewhere in the industry. (Mike was keen for his son to make his own way and not rely on a cushy number in dad's business.)
In 2012, Mike and Andrew resisted the temptation to rename the business "Joenn & Sons", and instead AJ Garage Services was formed to take the business to its next stage of growth.
Recent years have seen steady growth, mainly in domestic car servicing and repair. LGV, motorcycle and bus servicing and repair still represent a significant part of our business, with ongoing contracts with local and national commercial fleets.
We are committed to continuous improvement. Training features heavily in our plans, together with a battery of new tools and technologies to meet modern service needs.
Our story
Early 1980s
Mike Joenn founds Miall Motors, focused on HGV work.
1990s
Diversification towards lighter vehicles and domestic cars. Andrew joins his dad in 1996.
2008/9
Most servicing and repair work now comes from car owners in and around Caerleon and Newport.
2011
Major investment in technology and tooling. Construction of the drive-through MOT bay begins.
2012
AJ Garage Services is formed to take the business to its next stage. Andrew becomes managing director.
2017 to 2022
Over £45,000 invested in new tools and equipment in 2017 to 2019, rising to over £150,000 by 2022.
October 2022
Selected to join the Castrol Service Network.
June 2024
Becomes a Castrol Certified Partner Workshop.
Meet our team
Our current team, from the directors to the technicians, MOT testers and support staff who keep the workshop running.
Founding Director
Served his time as an HGV mechanic with John Evans Transport in the 1970s before setting up his first independent garage, Miall Motors, in the early 1980s. Mike writes a monthly motoring blog for the local community magazine and this website.
Managing Director
Joined Mike at Miall Motors in the mid 1990s, having served his time as a commercial vehicle mechanic and technician around Newport. With over 20 years as a vehicle mechanic, there are few problems Andrew hasn't already solved. Appointed managing director in 2012.
Workshop Supervisor
Joined in April 2023 from MotorCare Motor Factors, with around 14 years in the motor trade, eight as a fully qualified technician after an apprenticeship at Cwmbran Tuning. Appointed Workshop Supervisor in August 2024, overseeing all workshop operations.
Chief MOT Tester + Rescue & Recovery
Mans and manages the drive-through MOT bay, concentrating on four-wheeled vehicles.
Vehicle Technician & Engine Specialist
Well known in the Caerleon and Ponthir area after many years with Jay's Auto Repairs on Ponthir Road. Jason specialises in deep engine repairs, engine rebuilds and refurbishment.
Vehicle Technician
Ten years as a vehicle technician with a well-known Newport auto services company, then four years as in-house parts specialist at Fast Parts, before getting back into the workshop. Part of our gearbox specialist team after a course on VAG gearboxes.
Vehicle Technician
Completed his apprenticeship in 2020 with flying colours. Much of it was on veteran and vintage cars, so Morgan has a wealth of knowledge on older vehicles. Forms our gearbox specialist team with Nathan P.
Vehicle Technician
Joined in July 2022 as a qualified vehicle technician with E.V. certification. Started out in his dad's garage and more recently worked with the AA as a mobile repair and patrol man.
Junior Vehicle Technician
The third generation of the family in the business: Andrew's son, Mike's grandson and Rebecca's nephew. Callum specialises in family car servicing and repairs.
Service Administrator
Provides technical admin support to our technicians, workshop supervisor and customers, making sure parts are ready, customers are kept informed and paperwork is in order.
Garage Service Assistant + Rescue & Recovery
Fills the gaps between customers and technicians. He might be out in a recovery truck rescuing you after a breakdown, or preparing your vehicle for return after a service.
Parts Co-ordinator / Administrator
Responsible for parts administration with Simon and Ryan, making sure parts are ordered and ready when needed.
Garage Service Assistant
Joined in July 2023, delivering a range of automotive support services that free up the technicians to concentrate on servicing and repairing vehicles.
Accounts Administrator
Usually found in the upstairs office with a telephone glued to her ear. Rebecca raises your invoice and acts as the AJ message centre and assistant to the directors.
Team correct at the time of writing. Want to join us?
We are worth calling. Ring the workshop or send a booking request and we will confirm a time that suits you.
