NEW BUSINESS: FORD GROVES OPEN BODY SHOP

Ford Groves Motor Co., the oldest automotive dealership in Cape Girardeau, dating back more than seven decades to 1924, has opened a new service -- a body shop.

The new shop is at 1502 N. Kingshighway, across the street from the Ford Grove Motor Co. dealership.

"We utilize the back portion of an existing building for the body shop," said Bob Neff, general manager and a partner in the company.

The front half of the building, which previously housed a motorcycle dealership, will eventually be utilized for additional retail sales space.

"This is the first time we have provided body service since we moved from our downtown location," said Neff.

Jamie Niswonger is shop manager of the new operation.

Niswonger previously operated Niswonger Body Shop. He operated the body shop 10 years before closing recently.

The new shop is equipped with a new $60,000 paint booth, frame machines and computerized estimating, said Neff.

"This is a full-service body shop, for all makes and models, domestic and foreign," said Neff.

Ford Groves previously sent the majority of its body work to Niswonger.

"Niswonger's closing came at a good time," said Neff. "He brought his own people on board with us."