Bel Air Auto Auction has broken grown on its new facility in nearby Riverside, Md.

The auction held a groundbreaking ceremony on Sept. 16, parent company BSC America announced.

The new Bel Air Auto Auction facilities will tout a 75,000 square foot, 10-lane auction facility, as well as a 35,000-square-foot mechanical and body shop.

BSC America’s president, R. Charles Nichols, estimates construction will take about 15 months.

“Our new site is one mile east of I-95, making access much easier for our dealers. We are installing campus-wide Wi-Fi for the convenience of our customers, and to avoid data usage issues on their smartphones and electronic hand-held devices,” Nichols said.

During the groundbreaking event, county executive Barry Glassman joined the auction team and presented a certificate to the Nichols family during the event.

Billy Boniface, director of administration, along with other Harford County department heads, elected officials, representatives and special guests attended the groundbreaking, as well.

“Our second building will house an eight-lift mechanical shop, five-lane detail shop, two-paint booth body shop, and a brand new condition report and imaging area — all under one roof.” Nichols said, providing more specs on the new facility. “We will have 80 paved acres for our customers and clients to utilize.  There will be 8,190 spaces for customer parking, truck loading and inventory/storage. Our additional Marshaling Services facility in nearby Riverside Business Park has 22 acres paved and fenced for additional secured vehicle parking.”

Michelle Nichols Neff, vice president of BSC America, also noted the new facility will hold the parent company’s corporate offices as well as Bel Air Auto Auction’s administrative offices and regional staff.

“One main location for our dealers and a much easier environment for employees were the objectives for the new complex!”  Nichols Neff said. “We’re also excited about our new dealer restaurant, customer service suites with Wi-Fi provided workstations for customers. Those new service facilities will be attractive to dealers.  They will be able to enjoy Bel Air Auto Auction’s delicious fare while attending our weekly auctions and bi-weekly GM Financial Factory auctions.”

Raymond C. Nichols, chief executive officer of BSC America companies, added, “Charles, Michelle and I, as partners in Bel Air Auto Auction Inc., are most enthused to have all the required permits and approvals for building this new modern facility to be located on our 175 acre property in Riverside. The new facility will be able to accommodate continued growth in the marketplace and will better serve our customers’ needs. Sellers and buyers will benefit from our state-of-the-art auction that will serve their needs within this growing marketplace and region.”