SHELBY — It took $1,000, an innovative business idea and a leap of faith to start Milliron Auto Parts in 1953.

Grant Milliron, the late founder of the business, bought 12 salvaged cars and a 1936 Ford truck with money he and his father saved for the business.

Milliron was working seven days a week between his full-time job at the steel mill and the auto parts business. He quit his steel mill job in 1957 to focus on the new business.

Now, 70 years later, Milliron Auto Parts operates on 15 acres off State Route 39. The team celebrated on Monday with community leaders.

Richland County commissioner Tony Vero congratulated owners Jim and Tammy McKinney and the Milliron family.

“The Milliron name and Milliron business is a staple in the Shelby community,” Vero said. “I think that’s proven since you’ve been in business for 70 years.

“Congratulations, and we wish you the best of luck on the next 70.”

Shelby mayor Steve Schag thanked the Millirons for their investment in the city as well as their own business.

“This place has been a Godsend for so many families that come here who find a way to keep their automobiles running,” Schag said. “The Milliron family means so much to this part of our county and I wish you many more years of good success.”

McKinneys promise commitment to customers & community

Owner Jim McKinney bought 50% of Milliron Auto Parts in 2021 and is now the full owner of the business.

“Karl hired me as a dismantler taking cars apart 25 years ago,” he said. “It’s very humbling to come this far and now be the caretaker of the business. We will do our best to fill the shoes of the Milliron family, although we will not succeed.

“Milliron Auto Parts has been a staple in the community for as long as I can remember, and I intend to do my very best to keep the same values and commitment to our customers, employees and the community.”

McKinney and Grant’s son Karl Milliron are also business partners in the software company EZ-Suite. 

“Karl’s like my big brother,” McKinney said. “He took me under his wing and helped me get to where I am today. The auto parts business really launched many other endeavors including a landfill trash business, a trucking company and the software. 

“That all spawns from a few cars that Grant Milliron bought 70 years ago.”

Karl Milliron said the auto parts business had about five employees 30 years ago and has grown to 24 now.

“This has been a seed company for every expansion and derivative business,” he said. “We started with auto parts, which led into scrap metal processing and recycling, and the waste management side of things.

“It’s spurred all the growth we’ve had.”

Customers searching for auto parts can choose self-service discounts for finding and hauling auto parts themselves, or can receive full service from Milliron employees.

Milliron stocks over 1,200 vehicle parts from foreign and domestic models of cars, trucks and vans.

The business is located at 2375 Springmill Road (State Route 39) between Shelby and Mansfield. It is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. Customers can contact Milliron Auto Parts at 419-747-4566.