About 65 years ago, Melvin Hurwitz started a battery business in South Williamsport, later adding a car chemical line, according to Gary McWilliams, current owner of the business.
"At first it started out as just batteries and then he added a car chemical line - additives, waxes, polishes, cleaners - that type of thing. We are still with that company today, the Malco Company," McWilliams said.
McWilliams worked for Hurwitz for about 10 to 12 years, until he left for other business opportunities. However, in 1986 McWilliams received a call from Hurwitz, asking him if he'd like to buy the business.
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SHAWNA TURNER/Sun-Gazette
Dave Springer and Mike Lord check a car battery. The South Williamsport business sells car care products and batteries.
"I had left Mel for six years and went with the Champion Spark Plug Company. I was always a homebody and was in Syracuse, New York, and they had plans of sending me to Phoenix. I didn't want to go. Low and behold, Mel called me up in Syracuse and said "how would you like to own your own business," McWilliams said.
The two got together and McWilliams purchased the business.
Today the business is primarily wholesale and still deal with car care products and batteries.
Of the six employees working there, each has more than 20 years experience, according to McWilliams.
"We pretty much know our stuff," McWilliams said.
The company covers 12 counties in Northcentral Pennsylvania.
"Our main customers are probably car dealerships, garages and we also service fleets in the area like the fire departments, city bus, city police and Penn State University," McWilliams said.
McWilliams said the company also has a store leased at the Central Pa. Auto Auction in Lock Haven.
"We run a store up there for the car dealers, both new and used car dealer. They can purchase and talk to us about our products," McWilliams said.
Quality products are important to the company. The test competitor products against their own to ensure they have the best products available to their customers, according to McWilliams.
At the retail location in South Williamsport, batteries, wiper blades and air filters are installed. Batteries, alternators and starters are tested, according to McWilliams.
They also go out on the road to install batteries.
"We also specialize in Hastings oil and air filters. We think they are one of the best in the business," McWilliams said.
They also sell Deka batteries, which McWilliams said are the best.
About 70 percent of the Hurwitz's business is wholesale and a huge part of their business has to do with farm and commercial customers, according to McWilliams.
The business also works with about five or six manufacturers, which include restaurants and hospitals, according to McWilliams.
