Manheim Dallas-Fort Worth recently announced that due to continued growth in specialty sales, it has invested in a 3,000-square-foot specialty building in order to meet growing dealer demand.

The new facility is located across the street from the auctions wholesale vehicle operation and will have its own staff that will serve dealers in two sales lanes, according to Manheim.

“Specialty vehicles are an important offering at Manheim Dallas-Fort Worth, and now we’re making it even easier for our clients to buy and sell these units,” Manheim Dallas-Fort Worth general manager Nicole Graham-Ponce said in a news release. “By creating a dedicated facility with an onsite staff right across the street from our traditional auction, we are able to prepare for growth, while providing a seamless experience for our clients."

The auction’s team unveiled the facility at a grand opening event it held with more than 350 buyers in attendance on April 14. According to Manheim, the event yielded an 82-percent sales rate, selling more than $4 million of specialty inventory.

The 112-acre auction site has been in operation since 2000 and has since expanded to a team of 201 members.

Manheim said the auction currently hosts an estimated 1,600 independent and franchised dealers each week and offers approximately 2,300 units each week in-lane and online. 

Rawls Auto Auction hires manager

In other auction news, what is said to be the nation’s first auto auction, Rawls Auto Auction of Leesville, S.C. — founded in 1938 — announced it has recently brought aboard Michael Mancuso to be its national accounts manager. 

Mancuso has worked for both auctions and consignors, and he brings extensive national remarketing experience, Rawls AA said.

“As Rawls Auto Auction continues to expand and improve its commercial consignment sales, Mike’s national account background makes him a valuable addition complementing our experienced fleet lease department,” auction owner and general manager Jimmy Rawls said in a news release.

In his new role, Mancuso will be tasked with further developing the auctions fleet lease technology, marketing and sales.

Additionally, on May 16, the auction said it will host its 79th anniversary sale that will end with a large cash drawing for a grand prize.