HOUSTON -

Manheim Texas Hobby recently finished adding a new paving system, water reclamation center and upgraded security thanks to a two-year investment in sustainability enhancements of $6 million-plus.

Manheim recently announced that three key initiatives have been completed this month to help improve conditions and reduce risks at the auction.

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

Along with a $4.2 million TRUEGRID permeable paving system, there has also been the addition of a 15.25-acre lot. The new lot is made of 100 percent post-consumer recycled high-density polyethylene, which provides a cost-efficient and eco-friendly alternative in place of concrete or asphalt.

As a result of the auction’s new paving system, Manheim Texas Hobby can now hold an additional 3,000 more vehicles because a retention pond is no longer required on its site.

Manheim said in a news release, “Because there is no runoff, a retention pond is not needed and the full site is available for vehicle storage … And, since no runoff reduces the chance of flooding, clients’ investments in their vehicles are better protected.”

Additionally, in an effort to provide a cost-effective way to conserve natural resources, a $250,000 water reclamation center has been constructed to reuse 70 percent of the water generated by the detail shop.

“The reverse-osmosis system is expected to save the site 1.9 million gallons of water a year and $19,000,” Manheim said.

Furthermore, for added protection of clients’ inventory, the auction has also undergone a $1.75 million security upgrade. Manheim Texas Hobby expanded its 2-year-old camera system and added steel plate gates and barriers around the property.

Manheim said that the camera system installed in 2016 has been upgraded to operate new low-light, high-resolution wireless cameras from their own network, to allow real-time monitoring from any location.

Located at 8215 Kopman Road, in Houston, Manheim Texas Hobby’s 165-acre site has 18 sale lanes and registers 3,000-plus vehicles a week, according to Manheim.