BUICK ADDS NEW BODY SHOP

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- Van Matre Buick, which moved to new quarters at 511 South Kingshighway more than a year and a half ago, has expanded.

"We've added a new building to house our body shop," said Mark Van Matre, general manager of the dealership. "The structure is a 48 x 48 feet, for a total of 2,304 square feet."

The firm moved into a 16,000 square foot building in July of 1989.

"We realized the need for more space soon after we settled in," said Van Matre. "We've been well pleased with the operation here."

Tim Suhre is foreman of the body shop, which has a total of four employees.

"Our body shop department has more than 70 years combined experience," said Van Matre.

Suhre has 24 years experience, Dan Eaker has 20 years, and Paul Abbott 18 years. A fourth member of the crew has eight years experience.

Van Matre Buick, which observed its 10th year in Cape Girardeau in May of 1990, operated in a 9,000 square foot facility at 20 S. Sprigg until moving to the S. Kingshighway location.

Van Matre Motor Co. was founded in 1954 in Florissant. Lynn Van Matre purchased the Buick dealership here in 1980. His son, Mark, joined the operation in 1981.