#United States #Katy, Texas #CBA #Christian Brothers Automotive #Mark A. Carr

Christian Brothers Automotive Breaks Ground on New Training Center

Christian Brothers Automotive (CBA), a leader in the automotive repair industry, has taken a significant step towards enhancing technician training and development with the groundbreaking of its new Mark A. Carr Technology & Training Center in Katy, Texas. The official announcement came on May 5, 2026, and marks the beginning of a $12 million investment aimed at creating a state-of-the-art educational facility for automotive professionals.

A Commitment to Excellence

The new facility embodies CBA's commitment to its franchisees and employees, aiming to elevate the standard of technician training within the automotive repair sector. Michael Suttle, Chief Development Officer of CBA, emphasized that this center represents more than just a structure; it is an investment in the long-term success of the company’s dedicated workforce. "Breaking ground is an exciting moment because it reflects years of listening, planning, and commitment to creating meaningful career paths and elevating the skilled trades," he stated.

Comprehensive Educational Offerings

The Mark A. Carr Technology & Training Center is designed to support technicians at various career stages, offering a wide array of courses from introductory apprenticeships to advanced courses focusing on emerging vehicle technologies such as electric vehicles (EVs) and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). The facility will also incorporate multiple modern classrooms and a fully equipped workshop with original equipment-level tools, ensuring that technicians receive practical, hands-on training necessary for success in today's fast-evolving automotive landscape.

By significantly expanding its training capabilities, CBA intends to improve the frequency and impact of its technical programs. This will lead to enhanced technician productivity, improved shop performance, and more consistent service quality across its growing network of locations.

Honoring a Legacy

The center is named after Mark Carr, the founder of CBA, who instilled the company with its core belief in investing in people and maintaining integrity. Donnie Carr, President and CEO, expressed the significance of naming the facility after his father, reflecting the family’s commitment to his vision and values. "This investment ensures his vision continues to guide how we develop our technicians, support our franchisees, and serve our communities for generations to come," he remarked.

Future Plans

The Katy center is just the beginning of a broader vision for CBA, which plans to eventually relocate its corporate Support Center from Houston to this site. This relocation aims to create a unified headquarters to foster collaboration and continue the brand’s growth trajectory.

CBA has established itself as a trusted name in automotive care since its founding in 1982 in Mission Bend, Texas. The company is highly ranked by J.D. Power for customer satisfaction in the aftermarket full-service maintenance sector, reflecting its dedication to providing a positive customer experience across its more than 335 locations in 31 states.

As it moves forward with this new center, Christian Brothers Automotive underscores its mission to ‘love your neighbor as yourself’ and reinforces its commitment to professional development in the automotive repair industry.

For more information about CBA and its initiatives, visit www.CBAC.com.