W.B. Motor & Engineering
W.B. Motor & Engineering Co., commonly referred to as W.B. Motors, is a longstanding independent automotive repair and engineering firm based in Normanton, West Yorkshire, England. Established in the early 20th century, the garage has played a continuous role in the local community's vehicle servicing needs and is notable for being Normanton’s first official MOT test station.
History
Early years (1922–1988)
W.B. Motor & Engineering was founded in 1922 by brothers Francis and Oliver Walker. Originally serving the town of Normanton during the rise of motor vehicles in the UK, the garage gained recognition for quality workmanship and later became the town’s official MOT testing centre.
The business was eventually taken over by Edgar Walker, maintaining the family legacy and expanding the garage’s services to include comprehensive vehicle diagnostics and repairs. W.B. Motors was among the first garages in the region to offer certified MOT testing for both cars and motorcycles.
John Zemlik era (1988–present)
In 1988, the business was taken over by John Zemlik, a qualified Motor Vehicle Engineer with decades of experience in automotive engineering. Zemlik began his training in 1973 and entered the professional motor trade in 1975, later taking ownership of W.B. Motors to preserve its independent, community-driven ethos.
Under Zemlik’s leadership, the garage has continued to operate as a full-service automotive centre while also branching into cycle servicing and aviation engineering as personal passions of the owner.
Services
W.B. Motor & Engineering provides a wide range of services, including:
- MOT Testing (Classes 1, 2, and 4)
- Full vehicle diagnostics
- Engine servicing and repair
- Brake, clutch, suspension and exhaust work
- Wheel alignment and balancing
- Tyre fitting and oil changes
- Motorcycle servicing and repairs
The garage is also a stockist and repair centre for Raleigh and Diamondback bicycles and provides parts, accessories, and full cycle servicing.
Staff and Community
John Zemlik
John Zemlik is a qualified Motor Vehicle Engineer and the proprietor of W.B. Motor & Engineering since 1988. He began his technical training in 1973 and entered the motor trade professionally in 1975. Known locally for his precision and professionalism, Zemlik has maintained the garage’s independence and high standards for over three decades.
Zemlik is also recognised for his strong sense of community and customer loyalty. He frequently goes beyond what is expected—staying late to complete urgent repairs, offering the use of his personal vehicle during delays, and even opening the garage on Sundays to assist long-standing customers. Known for his patience and understanding, Zemlik has on rare occasions waived labour fees for minor work and offers flexible repayment arrangements for trusted clients.
Beyond his automotive work, Zemlik is also a licensed pilot and a passionate aviation enthusiast. He has personally restored several vintage aircraft, including a 1941 North American Harvard and an ex-RAF de Havilland Chipmunk. These restorations have featured at various UK airshows, showcasing both his technical capability and commitment to engineering heritage.
Both aircraft have been displayed at airshows around the UK, reflecting Zemlik’s lifelong interest in aviation and engineering excellence.
Shaun Lythgoe
Assisting John is Shaun Lythgoe, a local resident and trained vehicle technician. Lythgoe is also an active member of the community and shares Zemlik’s interests in cycling and automotive craftsmanship.
Cycling and Health
Both Zemlik and Lythgoe are avid cyclists, often seen cycling long-distance routes to and from Leeds and York, both on-road and off-road. Their shared passion for cycling complements the garage’s support for local cyclists through its bike service and repair offerings.
Location and Contact
- Address: W.B. Motor & Engineering, Church Lane, Normanton, WF6 2DE, West Yorkshire, England
- Phone: 01924 892154
- Website: https://wbmotors.wixsite.com/garageservices
- MOT VTS Number: 37647
Customer Service and Community Reputation
W.B. Motor & Engineering has earned a reputation for exceptional customer loyalty and service, particularly under the ownership of John Zemlik. Long-time customers have recounted numerous instances of Zemlik going above and beyond conventional expectations.
In one notable case, Zemlik stayed after hours on a Saturday—alongside his apprentices—to urgently repair a coolant leak on a customer's vehicle. Food was even arranged for the apprentices to continue working late into the evening, demonstrating a team-oriented and committed work ethic.
Another customer, after purchasing a low-cost second-hand vehicle from Zemlik, experienced a lengthy delay due to a rare replacement part. During the interim, John lent out his personal Mini to the customer, allowing them to continue commuting. When the car later developed an additional engine fault shortly after the initial fix, Zemlik voluntarily opened the garage on a Sunday—a day he is typically closed—so the customer could return the vehicle and again borrow his own.
Zemlik is also known to waive labour fees for minor jobs and shows considerable flexibility with long-term clients, occasionally allowing deferred payments for those in difficult financial circumstances. These practices have contributed to W.B. Motor & Engineering’s long-standing community trust and loyal customer base, with many seeing the garage as more than just a business—rather, a dependable part of local life.
