Baldy Mountain Tire has moved operations and is open for business. The tire company, owned by Jon Hochstetler and his son Tony, broke ground on the new space along Highway 200 on the west end of Plains last October and in March were ready to go.

The new facility is 6,600 square feet, more than five times the space as their former site on the other end of town. Jon and Tony are not rookies in the tire trade; they started their business seven years ago and attract customers from inside and outside Sanders County. Jon Hochstetler said the added space at their new site will help them be more efficient and offer higher quality services to their customers.

"We felt a need to expand so we can offer more and better service to our customers," said Jon, who now has six large bays to work from and is planning to add brakes, shocks, struts, and alignment service to what they now do – tire sales, tire mounting and balancing, rotations, and free tire inspection.

In addition, with the bigger shop, Jon believes he'll be able to have double the stock of tires on hand. "We offer all major brands and will discuss with our customers as to which brands are the most popular and have the best ratings in the Montana terrain," Jon said. Presently, the company has four staff members, but they hope to add two more.

"I designed it (the new facility) and hired all the subcontractors. "They are from right here in Sanders County and our experience was great. The quality workmanship available in this county is incredible," said Jon, who added that it was their goal to own their own place and expand.

Jon Hochstetler is also the owner of Montana Structures, a collection of storage sheds, cabins, greenhouses, garages, and animal shelters, a business he's been in for more than 15 years. The new site has also given him the space to triple their display area for the dozen different styles and 24 sizes from 6X8 to 14X40. The portable structures are constructed by Hochstetler's brother and his sons.