By PHYLLIS ZORN

Staff writer

Recently installed air conditioning in Midway Motors’ shop has had a positive effect on employees and customers, according to sales manager Zeth Thornhill.

The auto repair shop installed air conditioning two months ago, during intense heat in the area.

“Everybody has a more positive attitude,” Thornhill said.

Productivity is up as well.

“Usually productivity drops about 15% during high temperatures,” he said. “Customers even comment on how nice it is to come into a cool shop to talk about the work.”

Midway decided to install air conditioning mostly to invest in its employees, Thornhill said.

It creates a better working environment for them, especially when technicians have to deal with hot fluids.

It also cuts the time they have to spend cooling themselves and getting drinks to fight dehydration.

Midway expects its improved working conditions will help with employee retention and make recruitment of new technicians easier.

A cool work environment will make the business more appealing than others shop, where workers labor in the heat.

The dealership has eight shop employees and two office support staff in its shop department.

The company used local contractors for the work. The next project planned for the dealership is an expansion.