ABRA Auto Body & Glass Adds Grand Forks Franchise

    MINNEAPOLIS--June 4, 2002--ABRA Auto Body & Glass, a Minneapolis-based damaged vehicle repair company, announced today the opening of its seventieth repair center. Located in Grand Forks, ND, the franchise was awarded to partners Jim and Steve Hansen, owners of Hansen Ford-Toyota-Chrysler, also located in Grand Forks.
    Rollie Benjamin, President and CEO of ABRA, commented on ABRA's decision to award this franchise to the Hansens: "We are very impressed with the successful dealerships that the Hansens operate. Their focus on quality and their integrity mirrors ABRA's values. With the professional staff and leadership they have in place at the repair center, we are confident this location will perform up to the high standards expected of all ABRA centers."
    The repair center, located at 3401 Gateway Drive, is 10,500 square feet, employs two estimators, four body technicians, four paint technicians, a detailer and a courtesy van driver. Their state-of-the-art equipment includes a Kansas Jack frame rack, a Shark computerized measuring system, and two Garmat downdraft paint booths and prep stations.
    When asked of their decision to open an ABRA franchise, Jim Hansen commented, "We are aware of ABRA's track record, and are very impressed with their commitment to superior service and excellent craftsmanship. The procedures, training, and marketing support provided by their corporate staff will allow us to deliver industry-leading levels of efficiency and quality."

    ABRA Auto Body & Glass is a national damaged vehicle repair company specializing in collision repair, paintless dent removal, and auto glass repair and replacement. Started with one repair center in 1984, they have grown to seventy facilities in ten states. Their plans for accelerated national growth over the next several years include acquiring existing facilities and building new locations.