MIDWAY, Fla. – September 3, 2014, Safelite AutoGlass®, the nation’s largest provider of vehicle glass repair and replacement services, is announcing a new joint warehouse/distribution and in-shop service location serving North Florida located at 1205 Commerce Blvd in Midway, FL at a grand opening event hosted by the Gadsden County Development Council.

The 22,500-square-foot facility with four service bays, a comfortable waiting room, and expanded warehouse will allow Safelite to increase its inventory by 40% to better serve area customers who need same-day or next-day service. Mobile appointments will continue to be an option for customers who want work completed at their home or place of business.

Manager Gruenewald looks forward to easier service

“We look forward to continuing to serve the North Florida region for all their auto glass repair and replacement needs,” said Safelite’s Western Florida Operations Manager Steven Gruenewald. “Few people think about auto glass until they have serious damage. Small chips or cracks can easily and effectively be filled to restore the windshield’s original structural integrity and prevent further damage. It can be a safe and economical alternative to a full windshield replacement. It only takes about a half hour in our shop. This unique location is a joint warehouse/distribution center and in-shop repair location.”

Mayor Knight emphasizes location

Mayor David Knight of Midway welcomed Safelite emphasizing “By locating in Midway, Safelite has retained ease of access to its major markets and has joined many companies within the Gadsden 10/90 Commerce Park who appreciate easy access to fuel, Interstate 10, the airport and major arterial roads like US 90 and US 27 which lead to growing markets east, west and north.”

BOCC Chair Hinson welcomes Safelite

“Safelite is a national brand that we are proud to welcome to Gadsden County,” said Gadsden County Board of County Commissioners Chairman Eric Hinson. “We applaud the level of training Safelite provides for its technicians. Safelite invests in its employees and the employees, in turn, make a multi-year commitment to the company. This is a winning combination for persons with a mechanical aptitude and good customer relations skills. In addition, Safelite has expressed a desire to connect with Gadsden County Technical Institute to create a pipeline of future qualified candidates.”

GCDC Chair Garner notes win-win

Gadsden County Development Council Chairman Lee Garner says, “This project has been a win-win for the entire region. Safelite has 24 employees today with intentions to add 3 to 4 more. The company has invested over ¾ of a million dollars in this new facility.”

Landlord notes expansion of facility

Developer Steve Hittinger added, “We are proud to provide our long-term tenant the expansion required to continue to serve this region. The additional eave height facilitated more inventory as well as supporting expanded in-shop service, in-store training space and a comfortable environment for customers.”

Safelite customers can receive a quote or schedule service at safelite.com or by calling 1-800-800- 2727. Both in-shop and mobile vehicle glass service appointments are available from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

About Safelite AutoGlass®

Safelite AutoGlass, founded in 1947, is the nation’s leading provider of vehicle glass repair and replacement services, providing mobile service to more than 95 percent of the U.S. population in all 50 states. The Columbus, Ohio-based company employs approximately 11,000 people across the United States and serves more than 4.3 million customers annually. For more information, visit Safelite.com, or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

About Gadsden County Development Council, Inc.

Gadsden County Development Council (GCDC) is a 501c3 not-for-profit public-private partnership serving as the Economic Development Organization (EDO) on behalf of Gadsden County. The GCDC markets the competitive assets of the county to attract new business, retain and expand existing business and facilitate entrepreneurial new business formation resulting in quality job creation and capital investment.

Contact:

Steven Gruenewald
Western Florida Operations Manager
Safelite AutoGlass®
Office: (850) 504-1923
Cell: (813) 708-4626

Beth Kirkland, CEcD
Gadsden County Development Council, Inc.
Cell: (850) 212-1056