Valvoline Instant Oil Change Opens 700th Service Center

History repeated itself in Massachusetts, as Henley Enterprises, Inc., the Wellesley-based franchisee that opened the first Valvoline Instant Oil Change Franchise location in 1989, proudly debuted its 27th service center and brought the quick-lube chain to its latest milestone, its 700th location systemwide.

During a Grand Opening celebration at the new service center, located at 891 Worcester Street in Natick, VIOC Franchising Vice President Kenneth C. (K.C.) Bruch, Henley Enterprises President Don Smith and other top officials were on-hand to conduct a ribbon-cutting ceremony and greet customers, who were offered specially-priced $7.00 oil changes commemorating the 700th service center milestone. Those on-site were also entertained by local radio personalities and enjoyed complimentary refreshments and other giveaways.

"The opening of this store holds great significance," said VIOC President John Q. Wesley. "Valvoline got into the retail service business 16 years ago and established the VIOC brand two years later. We started franchising that same year, and Henley Enterprises opened the first VIOC franchise service center.

"We're delighted that our 700th service center is also operated by Henley Enterprises," Wesley continued. "Franchisees like Don Smith have been instrumental in our steady growth over the years and we are proud of their longstanding dedication."

Henley Enterprises, newly constructed, 2,345-square-foot service center is a four-bay facility with 15 employees. The new center offers VIOC's complete fluid maintenance program, including draining and replacing motor oil; installing a new Valvoline® oil filter; lubricating the vehicle (if applicable); checking and refilling (at no extra charge) tire pressure and fluids for the power steering, battery, windshield washers, coolant system, transmission, differential and transfer case; and inspecting the air filter, breather filter, windshield wiper blades and radiator cap. The center also offers additional maintenance services and serves as a free collection point for used oil from do-it-yourselfers.

"'I'm excited that our 27th location also represents such an important milestone for VIOC," said Smith. "VIOC's franchise program, combined with the growing demand for 'do-it-for-me' automotive services in New England, has created many opportunities for us, and we plan to continue expanding in the area as other appropriate opportunities arise."

Henley Enterprises, Inc., joined the Valvoline Instant Oil Change franchise program in January 1989. Today, the Wellesley, Mass.-based company operates a total of 27 service centers throughout Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island and is the third largest franchisee in the VIOC system.

Lexington, KY-based VIOC now operates more than 700 locations nationwide. The company is one of the nation's largest providers of "do-it-for-me" automotive fluid maintenance services. Each service center offers a complete selection of oil changes, preventive maintenance checks, free fluid top-offs and other services and products, presented in an environment with the highest emphasis on customer service.

VIOC saves customers time by offering one-stop convenience and value-added services that make do-it-for-me automotive maintenance much more economical than the do-it-yourself alternative. In addition, VIOC's Maximum Vehicle Performance® tracks customers' vehicle service histories, recommends manufacturer-specified services and reminds customers when their cars are due for service.