Manheim Texas Hobby Completes $6 Million Improvement Project

HOUSTON — Completing a two-year, more than $6 million investment in sustainability and security enhancements, Manheim Texas Hobby clients and team members and the Houston community will benefit from improved conditions, reduced risks and peace of mind, directors announced.

Three key initiatives — a permeable paving system, water reclamation center, and site security upgrades — were backed by Manheim, the massive U.S. network of physical and digital wholesale vehicle auctions. Manheim Texas Hobby operates a 165-acre site located at 8215 Kopman Road, just minutes from the Houston airport and 40 miles from the coast. It counts 18 sale lanes and registration of more than 3,300 vehicles per week.

“Our innovative and creative solutions are as good for our clients and the environment as they are for our business,” said Darren Slack, general manager at Manheim Texas Hobby. “We’ve made sound investments that set us apart by bringing more value to our dealers and community.”

A $4.2 million TrueGrid permeable paving system and a recently added 15.25-acre lot expands capacity and provides a “cost-efficient and eco-friendly” alternative to concrete or asphalt. Made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled HDPE (high density polyethylene), it remains cooler than traditional surfaces and dramatically reduces the urban heat island effect. Most important in flood-prone Houston, the new paving system is completely permeable, so stormwater drains instantly, leaves no runoff and filters naturally to remove harmful hydrocarbons and pollutants which protects local aquifers.

A $250,000 Water Reclamation Center was designed to use 70% of the water generated by the detail shop. The reverse-osmosis system is expected to save the site 1.9 million gallons of water and $19,000 per year.

Finally, a $1.75 million security upgrade — with what has been touted as the most advanced camera system available, plus added steel plate gates and barriers around the property — enhances protection of client inventory. Upgrading and expanding coverage of the camera system installed in 2016, the new low-light, high-resolution wireless cameras operate on their own network, enabling real-time monitoring from anywhere of suspicious activity or potential storm damage.

“Leveraging innovations and technology, Manheim Texas Hobby is doing even more to support our clients and their inventory, metro Houston’s environment and this facility’s 260 team members,” Slack said.