Car Collector Chronicles - THE FORUM

Mecum Announces Major Expansion
LakeGenevaNews.net
February 14, 2012 | 04:39 PM

WALWORTH — Mecum Auctions is relocating its corporate headquarters to the village of Walworth, and is in the process of planning a major expansion that will bring new jobs and an annual car auction to the community.

The multi-million dollar expansion will include a car museum, a car storage facility and an area to host an annual auction, which is being planned for September.

Mecum Auctions, which about four years ago moved into the old Spieglehoff's Pick'n Save, 445 South Main St., is the largest collector car auction house in America and sold about $175 million worth of vehicles in 2011.  Mecum Auctions also is featured on a TV show, "Muscle Cars and More," on the Discovery Network's Velocity channel.  Auctions our often broadcasted live for hours on end.

On Tuesday morning, elected officials said they were excited about the Mecum Auctions expansion and what it may mean for area businesses.

When Mecum first came to Walworth, it employed about 10 people full time, and that has now expanded to 36.  In the next year to 15 months he hopes to hire an additional 12 to 15 employees.  By 2014, Mecum hopes to have 24 new full-timers.  It also employs a small army of part-time workers to assist the company at the events held around the country.

Mecum said this September he hopes to bring a four-day auction to the village of Walworth, which will replace his annual auction in St. Charles, Ill.  Mecum said the company will build a large facility to host the annual auction, but doesn't expect it to be ready for September.  Instead, he hopes to host the auction in tents.

In addition to the large event, he also plans to host about a half a dozen small events.  At the site, Mecum said he wants to build a car museum, which will feature classic cars.  He also will have a 50s style diner in the building, which will be used by classic car clubs that come to the visit.