But starting in March, the site began offering vehicle repairs as well through Integrity Automotive Care, owned by Jessica Smith and Don Koerner.

“People know that we are an ambulance service and they think that the shop is only for ambulances,” Smith said. “So we want to get it out there that the repair shop is also for the public.”

Integrity Automotive Care became a reality when the former Hutch Motors building came up for sale and Smith and Koerner thought it would be a great opportunity to have a shop for servicing their vehicles only two doors down from the ambulance service. Previously, sending out ambulances was a costly and time-consuming process that led to scheduling hassles with the ambulance crews. Integrity CARE EMS has a fleet of eight ambulances and a wheelchair van that need frequent maintenance.

Finding mechanics did not prove difficult — they came as a team. Dillion Heikkinen was looking to do more as a mechanic and wanted to strike out on his own. He now is a co-owner in Integrity Automotive Care.

INTEGRITY AUTOMOTIVE CARE is at 705 River Ave. in Iron Mountain. (Jim Paul/Daily News photo)

Heikkinen has been a mechanic for five years, is ASE certified and is currently working on getting licensed in Michigan. His specialties include diesel engines and all things Chevrolet.

Mechanic Tim Carter was a co-worker of Heikkinen who is ASE certified, too, and has more than 20 years of experience. Carter has a long history of working on Fords and also specializes in emergency vehicles.

The staff is rounded out by service writer Seth Gransbury, also a past co-worker of Heikkinen and Carter.

The building was already set up as a mechanic shop, but they added another lift. The shop has three stalls, two with lifts. Plans for the future include possibly a third lift for another mechanic.

Integrity Automotive Care is a full-service garage, offering everything from routine maintenance such as oil changes to bumper-to-bumper diagnosis, brakes, exhaust systems and electrical system. Integrity Auto Care will tackle major jobs as well, such as rebuilding engines and repairing transmissions.

TIM CARTER OF Integrity Automotive Care reaches into a truck to work on the turbo system. Integrity Automotive Care began serving the public in March. (Jim Paul/Daily News photo)

They have computers on hand to access information when needed on the latest models of cars and trucks, Koerner said.

Integrity Automotive Care works with a local supplier to provide tires to its customers. It carries Interstate batteries and RainGuard windshield wipers.

Smith and Koerner say their prices will set them apart from the competition. “We are out to help people survive in this economy and move forward,” Koerner said. “It helps supplement our shop so we can bring our ambulances in there to work on them.”

Integrity Automotive Care offers discounts for veterans and first responders. Parts and labor are covered by a three-year or 36,000-mile warranty.

Integrity Automotive Care, 705 River Ave. in Iron Mountain, is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Phone number is 906-828-6774.

Integrity Automotive Care will host an open house and hamburger social from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 7. A local radio station will give away concert tickets.

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The Daily News plans to highlight some of the new businesses in the region. Know of one that recently opened or changed hands? Contact Jim Paul at 906-774-2772, ext. 229, or jpaul@ironmountaindailynews.com.