Having risen through the ranks in the 1980s and 1990s, a director has come full circle after rejoining a truck company he left 16 years ago.

Mark Barton has come back to MC Group to head its pre-owned vehicle sales operation, having originally left the firm in 1998.

Having started his career as a technician for HGVs in 1982, he rose to rank of director before leaving as part of the sale of its former rental division to Volvo-owned BRS.

He worked as sales and marketing director for BRS until he joined the Euroway Group in 2009, where he became managing director of its rental service.

His new role will see him lead the firm’s MC Rental Ltd division at its depot in Larkfield, near Aylesford.

The company is branching out into selling cars, vans and 4x4s, as well as its traditional trade in HGVs.

Mr Barton, 51, said: “It made complete sense to come home to MC Group. I know the company and its history well, although it has changed and expanded a lot.

“I have come full-circle and returned at an exciting time as the company continues to expand at pace.

“That we are selling pre-owned cars, vans and 4x4s as well as trucks shows that there is a lot more to MC Rental these days.”

Established in 1976, MC Group provides commercial vehicle servicing, repairs and maintenance, while its MC Rental Ltd division is a vehicle rental company.

The firm employs more than 350 people and has nine depots nationally, including Larkfield and Hythe.

MC Group managing director Simon Dawson said: “Mark’s return means we can launch a new service with great confidence to meet the needs of companies and individuals locally, regionally and nationally.”