ABRA Auto Body & Glass Expands Operations in Minnesota
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ABRA Auto Body & Glass Expands Operations in Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS - May 28, 2015 - (BUSINESS WIRE) - ABRA Auto Body & Glass, a leading national damaged vehicle repair company, announced the opening of its newest franchise repair center in Mankato, Minnesota.

ABRA is one of the largest and fastest growing multi shop repair operators in the country. The company now operates 54 independently-owned franchises and 231 company-owned locations for a total of 285 in 22 states.

The new ABRA repair center is located at 1671 Madison Avenue in Mankato, Minnesota about 90 minutes south of downtown Minneapolis. The franchise is owned and operated by Jerry and Geralynn Kottschade who are well recognized in the community as operators of Jerry’s Body Shop. Jerry purchased Ben’s Bee-Line Auto Collision Shop in 1971 and built a successful collision repair business from there. Over the past 44 years the couple have helped shape the collision repair industry, continue to serve on high profile industry boards, with Geralynn co-founding the Women Industry Network (WIN).

“With the ABRA partnership in place, we look forward to continuing our reputation as a leading collision repair provider in the community,” said Jerry Kottschade, co-owner of ABRA-Mankato. “Our ICAR Gold Class certification, aluminum repair capabilities, and Readers Choice Award recognition, combined with ABRA’s innovative service model and operational excellence philosophy set us apart as a preferred option for vehicle owners and insurance partners.”

Mark Wahlin, ABRA’s Vice President of Franchise Development/Relations said, “We are extremely proud to welcome Jerry’s Body Shop to our group of ABRA franchisees. Their presence and reputation in the Mankato market fit perfectly with our mission to be the best auto body and glass company in America. We are thrilled with the exemplary leadership and values the pair hold.” Geralynn earned the Azko Nobel Most Influential Woman of the year award in 2000 and the couple has donated six vehicles to Recycled Rides in recent years. “These values are well respected and well aligned with ABRA’s mission to serve the communities in which we operate,” said Wahlin.

Building on its increasing success, ABRA plans to continue expanding in the months and years ahead as part of its aggressive national growth strategy. It is actively seeking new opportunities to acquire repair centers and integrate them into its industry-leading operating system. Interested parties in major markets should contact Scott Gerling, Vice President of Corporate Development (sgerling@abraauto.com or 763.585.6210).

For franchise opportunities in small and midsize markets contact Mark Wahlin, Vice President of Franchise Development/Relations (mwahlin@abraauto.com or 763.585.6315).

ABRA is committed to conducting business based on responsible business practices including implementation of environmentally sustainable initiatives, health and safety, and a commitment to the communities in which they serve.

About ABRA Auto Body & Glass

Founded in 1984 and headquartered in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, ABRA is a leading provider of vehicle repair services specializing in collision repair, paintless dent removal, and auto glass repair and replacement. ABRA’s mission is to be the best auto body and glass company in America by providing quality repairs, in a timely manner, with friendly, helpful service. For more information about ABRA visit www.abraauto.com.

SOURCE ABRA Auto Body & Glass

Contact: 

Laurie Janu
ABRA Auto Body & Glass
763-585-6240
Director of National Marketing

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