After 100 years, customers and innovations still a priority for Auto Tire and Parts

Did you know?

Auto Tire and Parts at one time was in the horseless carriage business.

Alan Haman, Jeff Douglas and Scott Bright bring 70 years of experience to the company.

Having celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2009, Auto Tire and Parts is not about to rest on its laurels as it begins its second century of service in 2010.

"In the next year we will build on our strong tradition by continuing to add to stores and improve our current facilities," said Greg Stroup, who has been president of the Cape Girardeau-based company since 1997. "We are also focusing on streamlining our operating processes to improve customer service."

With more than 40 locations in Missouri, Illinois and Kentucky, Auto Tire and Parts has developed a reputation for searching out innovations that will help its customers run their businesses more successfully.

Auto Tire and Parts believes customer loyalty has been critical to its longevity, with a "customer first" philosophy that permeates the business, according to store management.

"We really take care of our customers and help them out any way we can," said Gary McKown, who manages the Sikeston store and has been with the company for 39 years.

One example of that philosophy is the company's investment in a full-service machine shop at its Cape Girardeau headquarters. The facility employs a large team of machinists with over $1 million in equipment to allow them to perform a large variety of machine shop operations.

The machine shop is able to deliver in a 150-mile radius of Cape Girardeau, allowing customers convenient access to custom remanufactured parts.

Innovation has been a trademark of Auto Tire and Parts since its beginning in 1909 when it was the only dealer of auto parts between St. Louis and Memphis. Another recent example of innovation is Auto Tire and Parts' entry into the heavy-duty parts business. The company launched its Heavy Duty division in 2008, targeting the medium and heavy-duty truck market as well as equipment such as dump trucks and construction equipment.

Three well-known professionals in the heavy-duty market have joined the Auto Tire and Parts NAPA team. Alan Haman, Jeff Douglas and Scott Bright bring 70 years of experience to the company as it serves its existing customer base and develops new business. Their daily distribution network makes Auto Tire and Parts a convenient source for customers in the heavy-duty sector, and their heavy-duty business is growing rapidly.

As Auto Tire and Parts begins its 101st year, the company plans to continue to strengthen its tradition of product quality, service excellence and commitment to hometown values.