INDIANAPOLIS — Auction Broadcasting Co. executives announced Wednesday that they will soon hold a grand opening for their newest location in St. Louis.   

Mike Hockett, ABC chief executive officer, said that St. Louis is a market he has been looking into for more than 10 years.

The 70,000 square-foot facility is on 62 acres and is adjoined to a rail yard.

"Our ABC St. Louis location will allow our clients several different possibilities regarding shipping methods and marshalling," Hockett pointed out.

"We have room for about 16 lanes under roof, but we're going to open with four in order to keep the buyers together," he continued.

Moreover, ABC pointed out that the St. Louis facility has a frame rack that is 160 feet long and holds up to seven full-size vehicles at one time.

According to Hockett, ABC St. Louis will also be able to offer other services, including marshalling, inspections, titles, repossessions, upstream sales, as well as the traditional live auctions.

"DJ Adams is our partner and operating manager," Hockett said. "DJ and his father owned and operated a successful auction in St. Louis prior to ADESA purchasing his father's sale. DJ has been in the auto auction business for over 18 years in St. Louis and is extremely well thought of in the marketplace."

Adams noted that the St. Louis dealers are excited and will welcome ABC into the marketplace because it gives them an additional choice.

"Our grand opening is March 17," said Hockett. "We anticipate having over 1,000 units, including repossessions from Santander Consumer USA and Automotive Remarketing. I've opened a lot of greenfield locations throughout my career, and I'm really excited about St. Louis."

Phil Schappert, of Automotive Remarketing, added, "We're excited for ABC and looking forward to mutual success in St. Louis."