After six years in business in his hometown, Paul Wangen decided to make more room for his customers and services.

In April, Wangen Automotive added a garage for tire and alignment work and a 24-hour automatic touchless car wash onto his auto shop.

"We needed the space," Wangen said. "We were terribly out of room."

Wangen built to the east of the building, adding about 84 square feet. He decided last year he wanted to expand the business to provide more services for his customers.

Wangen Automotive, along with complete automotive repair, now offers a line of tires and the new 12,000 pound lift can accommodate large trucks.

"The customers are very happy with the expansion because we can serve them better," Wangen said.

Wangen opened Wangen Automotive after moving back to Austin. He had been away for about 14 years, attending Minnesota State University at Mankato for some time and moving to the Twin Cities. While there, he was trained as a master technician for Honda and eventually became service manager at Burnsville Honda.

But the whole time, his goal was to move back to Austin.

"I went out and got educated," Wangen said. "I always wanted to move home and this opportunity became available."

Wangen said business has gone well. He prides himself in keeping clean work areas and said his business' slogan is "Customer First: Service the Best."

Along with the expansion, Wangen hired an additional employee, Zach Johnson, to work in the alignment area. Wangen Automotive employs four full-time technicians and one part time.

"I like it here a lot," Johnson said. "It's a really good place to work. This shop's about the best one in town."

Wangen Automotive is located at 1009 Eighth Ave. SE and open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information call 437-7114.

Cari Quam can be reached at 434-2235 or by e-mail at cari.quam@austindailyherald.com