Hovis Auto & Truck Supply Inc - Distribution Center

For individuals and professionals in Mercer, PA, and across Western Pennsylvania, Hovis Auto & Truck Supply Inc - Distribution Center stands as a prominent and established entity within the "Auto Repair Stations" category, functioning primarily as a comprehensive auto parts store and distribution hub. Located at 1000 Champion Dr, Mercer, PA 16137, this facility serves as the corporate office and central distribution point for a vast network of Hovis Auto & Truck Supply locations throughout the region. With a long history of service and a commitment to extensive inventory, Hovis aims to be a reliable source for automotive and heavy-duty truck parts, as well as paint, body, and equipment supplies.

The Hovis Auto & Truck Supply Inc - Distribution Center in Mercer, PA, is a cornerstone of a company that has grown significantly since its inception. While specific details about the exterior and interior aesthetics of this particular distribution center are not widely publicized, its role as a central hub implies a large-scale operation designed for efficient storage and distribution of a wide array of auto parts and related products. The sheer volume of inventory and the logistical operations necessary to supply 18 locations across Western Pennsylvania (including Allison Park, Butler, DuBois, Emlenton, Erie, Franklin, Grove City, Hermitage, Meadville, New Brighton, New Castle, North Huntingdon, Oil City, Punxsutawney, Titusville, Wexford, and Zelienople) suggest a substantial and well-organized facility. Their business hours generally run Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with varied Saturday hours across their retail locations. You can reach them at (724) 748-9618 or +1 724-748-9618.

A notable aspect of Hovis's environment is its Technical Training Center in Mercer, PA. This 10,000 sq ft facility is a state-of-the-art institution dedicated to educating paint, automotive, and heavy-duty truck technicians. It features a full body shop with an oversized paint booth, prep deck, dual mixing rooms, advanced dust collection systems, and a range of modern equipment like lifts, A/C machines, tire changers, wheel balancers, and alignment machines. This commitment to training underscores Hovis's dedication not just to selling parts, but also to supporting the knowledge and skill of professionals in the automotive industry.

Hovis Auto & Truck Supply Inc - Distribution Center, and by extension, its network of stores, offers an exhaustive range of products and services tailored for both the do-it-yourself enthusiast and the professional installer. Their product categories are extensive:

• Auto Parts: This core offering includes a vast selection of components for various vehicle makes and models, such as brakes (drums, shoes, pads, rotors), chassis parts, batteries, oil filters, starters, alternators, and wiper blades. Their large inventories across multiple locations ensure parts are often available when needed.
• Heavy Duty Truck Parts: Recognizing the distinct needs of the commercial and heavy-duty vehicle sector, Hovis provides specialized parts including drums, shoes, pads, rotors, brake chambers, filters, and batteries for trucks.
• Paint & Body Supplies: As a premier distributor of automotive refinishing products from brands like Axalta and AkzoNobel (Sikkens), they offer a full spectrum of supplies for auto body repair and customization. This includes paint, primer, sandpaper, body fillers, and masking tape. They also offer custom paint mixing services, capable of matching a car's factory paint code precisely.
• Tools & Equipment: Beyond parts, Hovis stocks a wide array of tools and shop equipment. This includes hand tools, impact sockets, specialty tools, battery chargers, A/C machines, lifts, air compressors, floor jacks, scan tools, air tools, paint guns, tire changers, wheel balancers, and ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems) equipment. They have access to major brands through their distribution network.
• Born2Run Lubricants: Hovis also offers its own line of premium quality lubrication products, Born2Run Lubricants, which include engine oil, hydraulic fluid, transmission fluid, and grease. These products are available in various sizes and meet all API specifications, with options for officially licensed dexos1 approved products.
• Custom Hydraulic Hoses: They are a distributor of Continental Hydraulic products and have the capability to custom make various sizes of hydraulic hoses to meet specific customer needs.

While the primary function of the distribution center is supply, their membership in Federated Auto Parts, one of the largest automotive program distribution groups, and Vipar, a large independent Heavy Duty Truck Parts Distributor Program, ensures they stay updated with technological advancements and maintain access to quality parts. Hovis also has a connection to Hovis Auto Wrecking, Inc., which has been a provider of used parts and towing/accident recovery services since 1952, indicating a deep history and broad reach within the automotive industry.

Hovis Auto & Truck Supply's commitment to the automotive industry extends beyond just selling parts. Their Technical Training Center is a significant feature, providing cutting-edge, hands-on training for technicians. Since its opening in 2012, it has trained over 6,300 technicians in paint, automotive, and heavy-duty fields, offering both classroom and practical training, and allowing technicians to earn points toward iCar certification. This focus on education helps ensure that their customers, often professional repair shops, have access to skilled labor capable of utilizing the parts they provide.

Another prominent feature is their annual cruise-in event, often held at the Distribution Center. This event is highly anticipated by local car enthusiasts, drawing "hundreds of cars from different places." Reviews specifically mention the "annual cruise-in" as a "favorite" and highlight special guests like Dave Kindig. These events not only serve as a promotional tool but also as a community gathering, fostering goodwill and demonstrating Hovis's connection to the local automotive culture. For example, their 10th Annual Toys for Tots Cruise-In invited cars, motorcycles, and trucks, offering dash plaques for the first 250 vehicles and encouraging toy donations for a chance to win a grand prize, showcasing their charitable involvement.

Hovis Auto & Truck Supply also emphasizes four key ingredients to their success: dedicated professionals, large inventories, quality name-brand parts, and competitive prices. This mission statement underpins their operations and highlights their customer-centric approach.

The company actively engages in industry events and associations such as AAPEX, SEMA, HDAW, HDDA, AWDA, and the Auto Care Association, which contributes to their industry standing and promotional efforts. Their history, dating back to Cliff Hovis's single service station in 1952 and expanding to 18 locations, is a testament to their sustained growth and reputation within the region.

Customer reviews for the Distribution Center specifically highlight efficiency and positive event experiences. One review praises "Fast friendly service" and mentions being "offloaded quick," which suggests a streamlined process for suppliers and potentially for customers picking up bulk orders. Another review focuses on the "annual cruise-in," describing it as their "favorite" and noting the presence of "hundreds of cars from different places" and appearances by figures like Dave Kindig, indicating a successful and engaging community event.

While direct reviews about over-the-counter sales from the distribution center are limited, the reviews of the cruise-in suggest a positive public image and a strong connection with the automotive community. The company's emphasis on large inventories and competitive pricing, coupled with their extensive history and commitment to quality and training, collectively serve as a promotional message to attract both professional and individual customers looking for reliable auto and truck parts.