Relay Hill Auto Acquires Applewood Automotive, Expanding Denver-Area Presence
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Relay Hill Auto, a Denver-based automotive repair enterprise, has acquired Applewood Automotive, a long-standing repair shop in Lakewood, Colorado. The acquisition, which includes both the business and its real estate, signals Relay Hill's continued expansion in the Denver metropolitan area and its commitment to maintaining community-centered automotive services.
Founded in 1989 by Steve Halliday, Applewood Automotive has been a fixture in the Lakewood community for 35 years. The shop, now operating under the name Applewood Auto Care, will continue to serve its local clientele under the new ownership. Shiju Thomas, who leads Relay Hill Auto, emphasized the importance of preserving the shop's reputation for honesty and excellent service.
The acquisition is particularly notable for its strategic value. The Applewood location boasts high daily traffic counts and room for expansion, potentially allowing Relay Hill to increase service capacity in the future. This aligns with the company's vision of combining advanced automotive technology with hospitality-level customer service.
Relay Hill Auto's growing portfolio now includes seven businesses and five automotive repair shops across Denver, Westminster, Lakewood, and Arvada. This expansion reflects a broader trend of consolidation in the automotive repair industry, as larger enterprises seek to leverage economies of scale while maintaining localized service.
The deal underscores the importance of succession planning in small businesses, particularly in skilled trades. As long-time owners like Halliday look to retire, companies like Relay Hill Auto present an opportunity for continuity of service and employment in local communities. This transition also highlights the evolving nature of the automotive repair industry, balancing traditional 'old school' service with modern business practices and technology.
For consumers in the Denver area, this acquisition may signal enhanced service options and potentially broader expertise across Relay Hill's network of shops. It also reflects a growing trend of automotive repair businesses focusing on customer experience as a key differentiator in a competitive market.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve with technological advancements and changing consumer expectations, acquisitions like this one demonstrate how local repair shops are adapting to meet these challenges while striving to maintain their community roots.
