Christian Brothers to build $12M training center and install AC in all shops

The nearly 14,000-square-foot Houston facility will serve as a national hub for hands-on training while efforts continue to install air conditioning in all bays

Houston—Christian Brothers Automotive (CBA) has announced two initiatives that include breaking ground on a $12 million Technology & Training Center in Katy, Texas, and accelerating a system-wide effort to install air-conditioning in every service bay by mid-2027.

“If we want to be the best in class, we need to invest in our people and that means more than just training,” said Michael Suttle, chief development officer at CBA. “These investments reflect how much we value our team members, and how seriously we take our responsibility to care for them.”

The nearly 14,000-square-foot facility, set to open in early 2027 at 25801 Nelson Way, will serve as a national hub for hands-on training in both technical and guest-service excellence. It will be equipped with the latest in automotive repair technology including vehicle lifts, diagnostic equipment, and tools for automated driving systems (ADAS).

In the coming years, CBA plans to relocate its corporate Support Center from Houston’s Energy Corridor to the same site, creating a unified headquarters capable of supporting up to 500 employees.

In tandem with the Technology & Training Center, CBA is expanding its shop enhancement initiative. More than 100 shops have been retrofitted to feature air-conditioned service bays, and all new shops south of I-70 are now built with AC included. The brand is also supporting franchisees who opt to retrofit existing shops, as part of a broader effort to foster a more comfortable and competitive work environment.

“As we look toward the future of our brand, this new campus and our facility upgrades reinforce our belief that growth and purpose go hand in hand,” said Donnie Carr, president and CEO of CBA. “It’s about so much more than building infrastructure. We’re creating an environment where our team members, franchisees, and guests all benefit from a stronger, more united brand experience.”