What began as a three car, single-lane auto auction in 1945, today uses 33 lanes as well as digital access to facilitate the sale of 450,000-plus vehicles per year. Manheim Pennsylvania -- the world’s largest wholesale auto auction -- celebrated its 70th year in operation August 19-20.

Two days of “Manheim through the Years” festivities kicked off on August 19 by honoring its 1,600-person Lancaster Country workforce amid decade-themed sale lanes paying homage to the organization’s legacy of growth, innovation, leadership and customer service. The celebration concluded on the morning of August 20 with a Highline sale for dealers, followed by a dealer appreciation event.

“Our seven decades of success would not be possible without our employees, loyal customers and community support,” says Manheim Pennsylvania Vice President and General Manager Julie Picard. “Recognizing this historical milestone allows us to look back at how it all started, as well as consider the exciting possibilities ahead.”

With 400-plus acres serving dealer customers from 50 states and 120 countries, Manheim Pennsylvania is recognized for its market leadership and innovation. Its state-of-the-art, 200,000-square-foot wholesale vehicle reconditioning center – the largest in the world -- is a prime example. With 14 detail lanes, 19 mechanical bays and wireless tracking technology, this facility annually performs more than 540,000 vehicle services such as detailing and inspections, plus mechanical and body work.

The operation’s focus on innovation extends to its support of the community. With a large operation in Lancaster County, the auction site built a water conservation facility in 2007 that annually treats 42,000 gallons of wastewater. Each day, this facility produces 25,000 gallons of high-quality reusable water and reduces demand for this resource by 60 percent. 

“Equally as important as the way we serve customers and the industry is Manheim Pennsylvania’s commitment to our Lancaster County community and charitable organizations,” adds Picard. “Our operation has supported the Manheim Central Food Bank, Keystone Wounded Warriors and the national Wounded Warrior Project, as well as the Manheim Auto Auction Exhibition and Community Center. In addition, we selected St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Cox Automotive’s national partner, as the charity of choice for our 70th-anniversary events.”

“It’s an honor to be designated as the charity of choice for Manheim Pennsylvania’s 70th-anniversary activities,” remarks St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Regional Development Representative Brittany Clark.  “This auction is steeped in history and demonstrates a deep commitment to serving others, whether customers or charitable organizations such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  We are proud to partner with Cox Automotive and Manheim Pennsylvania and helping them better understand St. Jude’s impact as the hospital continues to lead the way in how the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.”