Even (and perhaps especially) in an increasingly digital landscape, the physical space owned by brick-and-mortar auto auctions can be advantageous.

That was apparent with a recent move by Manheim Central Florida, which transformed one of its unused spaces into a mechanic facility for retail reconditioning.

The now 8,500-square-foot recon space was formerly a multipurpose facility once used for night sales. Here’s how the transformation came to be, according to a Manheim release:

Back in late 2018, Manheim Orlando was out of space for retail reconditioning and approached Manheim Central Florida, which is approximately 20 miles away.

Central Florida then took that aforementioned multipurpose space and added 10 mechanic lifts, giving both auctions additional capacity for recon.

Catherine Woodall is Manheim's assistant vice president of reconditioning operations for the Orlando Market Center, which includes both auctions. In a news release, Woodall said: “This is an excellent example of how Manheim’s Market Centers structure delivers greater opportunities and efficiencies for clients when nearby auctions work cooperatively to share support functions.”

The facility reconditioned a record 1,200 vehicles in July, amid rebound consumer demand, which meant dealers had to get used cars retail-ready.

Manheim has since “fully transformed” the facility, which now has 18 lifts, a recon office and a parts room.

“Going all-digital in the early months of COVID-19 gave us an opportunity to rethink how we were using our additional lane space in the night sale building,” Woodall said. “We decided that once our auction re-opened for in-person sales, we would move the night sale to the main building and expand the existing mechanic shop to accommodate additional work.”

The need for such a facility was perhaps crucial in an area like Florida, where acquisition demand is high.

“Florida is a very appealing market for acquiring inventory because vehicles here tend to have lower mileage and are well maintained, so they typically have lower reconditioning costs when compared to other market,” Woodall said.

“Additionally, the clients we service are starting to expand their footprints, whether it’s traditional brick and mortar stores or digital retailing platforms, increasing their needs for frontline ready vehicles,” she said.

“And finally, Orlando is the largest rental car market in the world, and Manheim Central Florida’s location less than 10 miles from Orlando International Airport makes us an attractive option to service rentals.”