VIP to move HQ to Auburn, Maine

AUBURN, Maine (Jan. 5, 2017) — VIP Inc., which owns VIP Tires & Service, is moving its headquarters this summer to Auburn, where it has purchased an office building that offers about 50-percent more space than at the existing quarters in Lewiston, Maine, where VIP has been located for 30 years.

VIP purchased the 15,351-sq.-ft. building in Auburn for $1.38 million. VIP's headquarters staff of 45 will move to the location this summer, the company said.

Auburn is a community of about 23,000, located just south of Lewiston. The building previously was occupied by Patrons Oxford Insurance Co., according to a Google search of the address.

John Quirk, president and CEO of VIP Tires & Service, said the building "will meet our needs as a growing business," noting that it will be a better venue for large gatherings of personnel, such as company-wide meetings and vendor training sessions.

He also noted that the new location has full backup generator power.

"We're open seven days a week, even during ice storms, and it's important that we're able to provide all our stores the IT support they need so they can ensure the best customer experience for the folks that rely on us each day."

With 56 locations in Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts, VIP Tires & Service is among the 20 largest independent tire retailer dealerships in the U.S. VIP employs more than 500 in its retail and wholesale operations.

Mr. Quirk, who learned the tire business from his grandfather Edward S. Quirk Sr., has owned VIP since 2001. Mr. Quirk founded Quirk Tires & Service in 1926 in Watertown, Mass.