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Christian Brothers Automotive breaks ground on $12M training center in Katy, Texas

The Mark A. Carr Technology & Training Center is projected to open in early 2027 and will serve as a national training hub for CBA

Houston—Christian Brothers Automotive (CBA), officially broke ground on Tuesday, May 5, for its new Mark A. Carr Technology & Training Center in Katy, Texas.

Groundbreaking of the Mark A. Carr Technology and Training Center on May 5. From left are Jacob Steele, Michael Allnutt, Donnie Carr, Michael Suttle, and Kye Grisham.

The groundbreaking represents the next step following the brand’s 2025 announcement of the $12 million investment for a centralized training hub. Projected to open in early 2027, the nearly 14,000-square-foot facility is named after CBA’s founder and will serve as a national center for hands-on technical instruction, leadership development, and guest-service excellence.

“This training center is about far more than a building — it’s about investing in the long-term success of our team members and franchisees,” said Michael Suttle, Chief Development Officer of CBA. “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.”

Designed to support technicians at every stage of their careers, the facility will offer end-to-end education, from entry-level apprenticeship support to advanced coursework in evolving vehicle technologies including electric vehicles (EV), hybrid and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).

It will feature multiple modern classrooms, vehicle-accessible learning spaces and a fully equipped advanced shop with original equipment-level (OE) tools and diagnostics, enabling the CBA team to deliver in-house, hands-on training.

By expanding training capacity beyond the limits of its current corporate facilities, CBA will be able to increase the frequency, accessibility and impact of its technical and service-focused programs, supporting improved technician productivity, shop performance and service consistency across its growing national footprint.

“This center is deeply personal for our family and our brand. My dad, Mark Carr, built Christian Brothers Automotive on a simple but powerful belief to invest in people and do the right thing, always,” said Donnie Carr, President and CEO of CBA. “Naming this facility in his honor is a reflection of that legacy, and this investment ensures his vision continues to guide how we develop our technicians, support our franchisees and serve our communities for generations to come.”

The Katy campus also represents the first phase of a broader, long-term vision for the brand. CBA ultimately plans to relocate its corporate Support Center from Houston’s Energy Corridor to the same site, creating a unified headquarters designed to support continued system growth and collaboration.

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