ARIANNA MCKEE/THE EXPRESS Murray Motors, 910 Bellefonte Ave., Lock Haven, announced on Wednesday it would be consolidating its services to its Muncy location due to “an evolving economy and automotive landscape.”

LOCK HAVEN — After eight years in the Lock Haven community, Murray Motors, located at 910 Bellefonte Ave., announced Wednesday it will consolidate its Ford new car sales and services to its Muncy location.

“This is a difficult decision to make,” a release from Murray Motors said. “This decision comes as part of an evolving economy and automotive landscape, with Ford Motor Company strategically guiding this transition to better serve our valued customers.”

Murray Motors, in its release, offered its thanks to its customers, employees and the local community for its support over the years.

“While this change marks the end of one chapter, we are excited about the future,” it states. “Our Muncy facility will continue to offer the high-quality sales and services you expect, with plans to update and enhance our operations to serve you even better.”

The release noted its Ford Mobile Service Van will remain available for customers to meet their needs — providing maintenance and repairs.

Murray Motors stressed it was looking to relocate employees at the current location. According to its website, Murray Motors Lock Haven location employed two sales representatives, two service representatives, six vehicle technicians, three parts experts, one reconditioning representative, a lot manager and three other office staff along with a general manager.

“In addition to ensuring solutions for our valued and loyal customers, we have also worked diligently to achieve employment for as many of the Murray team members that we could,” the release said.

“We appreciate your continued trust in Murray Motors and look forward to delivering an even better car-buying and service experience at our Muncy location,” the release said.

Those looking for more information about the transition, or to express concerns, Murray Motors asks individuals to email admin@murraymotorford.com.

The Murray Motors location has been the site of various car dealerships for decades. Prior to becoming Murray’s, it was a Bob McCormick Ford Dealership. Prior to that it was a Jay Kilheeney Ford Lincoln.

Murray Motors, which offered sale of new and used vehicles along with maintenance services, did not specify its future plans for the property.

Mayor Joel Long told The Express it was disappointing to hear of the closure.

“That’s been a Ford dealership for a long time. Hopefully it won’t take long for something to come in there,” he said.

Long noted the dealership was one he’d utilized in the past.

“I will miss it but we’ll continue to move forward in the city and make progress,” he said.

Acting President/CEO of the Clinton County Economic Partnership, Dave Harger, expressed his thoughts on the announcement.

“It is unfortunate that the Murry Motors Bellefonte Avenue location will be closing, We have already had two dealership closures in Clinton County with K&L announcing closures just recently, this will obviously affect Clinton County Ford owners on a primary service level just for the fact we will need to go to Lycoming county for warranty or service work from a Ford garage,” Harger, who also serves as chair of the CCEP board, said. “We are reaching out to the owners to see what the CCEP can do to assist them with anything. As always, we will take a very active rule in trying to repurpose the property for new economic development.  I am hopeful that the employees will be able to readjust within a very strong worker climate as most business is very short handed, we would also assist in anyway to see they can transition locally.”

With the consolidation of this location, the number of dealerships within Clinton County continues to decline. Prior to this, K&L Auto Sales, located along Renovo Road closed its doors.

This closure leaves Bill MacIntyre Chevrolet as the remaining large-scale dealership within the city.