Mid-State buys one of the buildings

By Scott Bellile

Two New London businesses owned by CHS Larsen Cooperative will shut down in August.

New London Auto and Small Engine Shop at 519 North Shawano St. will close Aug. 1, according to a CHS Larsen press release.

CHS Larsen General Manager Todd Reif said the decision to close New London Auto and Small Engine Shop was prompted by changing technology in the automotive sector and car dealerships’ tendencies to fix cars under warranty today.

The unmanned Pump 24 fueling station at the corner of Wyman Street and West Wolf River Avenue will cease operation Aug. 31. Low traffic at Pump 24 didn’t justify making the facilities improvements needed to remain in operation, Reif said.

New London paving contractor Mid-State Asphalt will relocate from Northport to the more centralized New London Auto and Small Engine Shop building.

“Obviously we look forward to serving the community like we have been for nine years,” Mid-State Asphalt supervisor Jamie Walbruck said.

Walbruck said rumors that Mid-State Asphalt bought out CHS Larsen are untrue. Mid-State Asphalt had previously purchased land behind New London Auto and Small Engine Shop for stockpiling. When CHS Larsen decided to close the auto shop, it approached Mid-State Asphalt, he said.

“We didn’t buy the business, we just bought the building,” Walbruck said.

Mid-State Asphalt has not established plans to continue the auto shop, but Walbruck said the business will discuss the possibility.

Walbruck predicted Mid-State Asphalt will open at 519 North Shawano Street by September.

The decision to close CHS Larsen’s two local businesses was not made lightly, Reif said. Employees affected by the closures may apply for other jobs within CHS Larsen.

Larsen Cooperative cards may be used at New London Travel Plaza on North Shawano Street in the absence of Pump 24.

For customers in need of service for small engine items under warranty, Stihl merchandise can be serviced at six dealers within a 30 mile radius, according to CHS Larsen marketing communications specialist Anne Moore. Owners of Snapper products should consult their product manuals for 1-800 numbers that will direct them to the nearest locations.

A third service, CHS Larsen Cooperative Country Store in Larsen, will close Aug. 29 to make way for the co-op’s growing Precision Ag division. The division also is an educational asset to farmers and Fox Valley Technical College students, Reif said.