On the old TV commercials, when George Foreman refused to pay a lot for a muffler, he got satisfaction from Meineke. But, until recently, motorists in North Central Wisconsin didn’t have that option.
The new Meineke of Merrill opened Aug. 23 in the former Stark GM building at 705 S. Center Ave., one block south of Ministry Good Samaritan Health Center. While Foreman has moved on to pitching other products, Meineke has remained in the car care industry since 1972. And they have a lot more to offer than just mufflers. Meineke services brakes, exhaust, suspension and does diagnostics and preventative maintenance. They also do free, no obligation vehicle inspections.
“We do everything but heavy engine and transmission work,” said Albert Roberts, manager of Meineke of Merrill.
Meineke offers a $19.95 oil change, featuring Mobil oil. For a limited time, free tire rotation is offered with an oil change. Also, for a limited time, Meineke is offering 50 percent off brake pads and shoes.
Meineke services all makes and models of vehicles, and fleet accounts are welcome.
Meineke is a nationwide franchise, but had until now been absent in this part of Wisconsin. The nearest Meineke Service Centers were in Appleton, Madison and Eau Claire.
Meineke of Merrill occupies about 8,000 square feet of the former car dealership. The area was treated to new paint and new equipment was rolled in to equip the shop.
Roberts comes with 13 years of experience in the service departments of car dealerships. He is joined by service advisor Jack Steele, formerly of Saturn of Wausau, and service technician Jeff Davies.
Stark GM moved to a brand new facility on Hwy. 51 in Merrill a few years ago. The Stark Collision Center remains at 705 S. Center Ave. The rest of the facility has been put to use by tenants that include an insurance office, a towing company, and now Meineke.
Meineke of Merrill is open Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturdays 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. No appointments are necessary. The business can be reached at 715-539-2767.