Virden Autobody at the corner of King St. and Highway One Frontage Road has enjoyed over half a century of service to the Virden community. Their doors are not shut yet, but with the sale of the property, there’s changes ahead for the crew who have faithfully served in the business, for their customers and for the Beltz family.
Virden Autobody celebrated 60 years of business in 2021. It was 49 years in the Beltz family, as reported last April in the Empire-Advance.
Todd Beltz has worked in Virden Autobody for 28 years. He says, “After 61 years in the collision industry it’s with mixed emotions that I am informing you that our current location has been purchased.
“We would like to thank all of our customers over the years and the continued support from the community, but most of all our long-time staff consisting: Gavin McGregor of 13 years; Blaine Sigurdson of 29 years; Bryon Ludlam of 48 years and of course, my loving wife Jenn Chapman who has been at the shop on and off for 18 years.”
Gary Beltz (Buck), who passed away in November of 2021, first owned the business and had regularly helped out in the autobody shop, even in his later years.
Todd thanks the former Beltz generation, “As well, my amazing parents Heather Beltz and of course BUCK! Who gave his blessings before he passed.”
Virden Autobody will continue accepting MPIC work orders until March 15. Todd says, “We can assure you of our continued workmanship. We will also be doing MPIC glass claims throughout the whole transition.”
Beltz is holding his cards close. He says, “Moving forward we will still be in the industry, just in a slightly different way.” Stay tuned to see what the next chapter brings.
The decision to sell Virden Autobody came in June of 2019 but wasn’t made public until September of 2020. An offer to purchase by Valleyview Co-op came in 2021. Beltz says the process culminated with the announcement of the sale this January.
