Starke County residents have a new option for auto repairs. Business partners Jerry Lain and Adam Minix are celebrating the grand opening of Elite Truck and Auto, LLC, on Saturday, June 3 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. It is located at 0680 N. U.S. 35 in the former Miller’s Auto Finance location.
Elite Truck and Auto will offer automotive and truck repair and detailing. Services include alignments, brakes, tires, oil changes, and transmission replacement, along with general automotive repairs and heavy-duty services and repairs.
The shop features four automotive and two detail bays and lifts that can accommodate 12,000, 14,000 and 18,000 pounds.
Lain and Minix are both from Knox and wanted to open a business close to home.
“We have a great location on the highway, our community needs more good automotive shops, and it seemed like the right time to make this move,” Lain said.
The partners formed a limited liability company eight months ago and worked with 1st Source Bank to secure financing for the business. Lain said their total investment is $425,000. That figure includes the purchase and remodeling of the building and equipment acquisition.
“I think what sets us apart from other shops is we will be working on light, medium, and heavy-duty vehicles, where most other shops usually specialize in one or the other,” Minix said.
The business will have three employees initially, but the partners plan to add three more full-time mechanics and two detailers to the shop.
“We are thrilled to welcome a new small business to Knox,” Starke County Economic Development Foundation Executive Director Lisa Dan said. “Elite Truck and Auto will provide an essential service to our residents and business owners, which further enhances our quality of life and makes our community stronger.”
The Elite Truck and Auto, LLC, grand opening celebration will feature door prize giveaways, food, and games. Additionally, customers who book services during the event will receive discounts.
About SCEDF
The Starke County Economic Development Foundation is a nonprofit local economic development organization (LEDO) providing economic development opportunities on behalf of Starke County, Indiana, the City of Knox, and the Towns of North Judson and Hamlet through the development of industrial parks, rail spurs, greenfield sites, shovel-ready sites, infrastructure, and workforce development. For more information regarding the Starke County Economic Development Foundation, visit www.scedf.biz.