Experienced mechanics Chris Orth, left, and Keith Ettle, are co-owners of a new business: Master Care Automotive, located south of Pine River on Highway 371. Chris Orth and Keith Ettle owners of Master Care Automotive

Chris Orth and Keith Ettle, of Pine River, are co-owners of the new business, which is leasing a space next to McAllister Realty south of town.

Orth and Ettle opened Master Care Automotive on July 1; both were former employees of Pine River GM's service station, which closed this summer.

Orth said that they had a lot of customers that they had good relationships with and they wanted to stick close to Pine River to avoid commuting.

"Let's do it right here and help people out," Ettle said of the decision to locate the business in Pine River.

And, Pine River is a logical choice for their business. Aside from having established a customer base in town already, Orth has lived in Pine River his whole life. And although Ettle has lived here around five years, he's been visiting the area for more than 25.

Between the two men they had a lot of equipment from their home shops to use in the new business along with equipment they've since purchased.

Together they are striving to provide "dealership service for less."

"It looked like a good building and a good location," Orth said of their business site on Highway 371. "We're hoping to do well."

Currently Orth and Ettle are the only employees, however they'll evaluate staffing as needs arise.

Master Care Automotive will be servicing all makes and models of vehicles. They will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The business phone number is (218) 587-2232.