Christian Brothers Automotive to Build $12M Katy Training Center, Elevating Auto Tech Careers and Workplace Conditions
For Katy residents, this means more than just another construction site going up on Nelson Way. It’s a signal that one of Houston’s most recognized homegrown brands is coming back—not just to build, but to invest in people, jobs, and the future of skilled trades.
Christian Brothers Automotive, founded in Mission Bend in 1982, announced it will break ground on a $12 million Technology & Training Center in Katy, Texas on a 7.5-acre tract of land near Katy Mills. The nearly 14,000-square-foot facility will serve as the brand’s national hub for hands-on learning, equipping the next generation of automotive technicians and service professionals with real-world skills. Located at 25801 Nelson Way, Katy, TX 77494 the center is expected to open in early 2027.
But the investment doesn’t stop there. As part of its long-term vision, Christian Brothers Automotive (CBA) also plans to relocate its corporate Support Center from the Energy Corridor to the new Katy campus, ultimately supporting up to 500 employees in one unified headquarters.
“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.”
Mobile Sidebar Ad
A Workplace That Puts People First
At the same time, CBA is expanding its shop enhancement initiative—a move that’s likely to resonate with technicians across Greater Houston and the southern U.S. More than 100 existing shops have already been retrofitted with air-conditioned service bays, and all new locations south of I-70 are being built with AC as standard.
For many auto mechanics, this is no small upgrade. Working in a sweltering garage during Texas summers can be not only uncomfortable but unsafe. By supporting franchisees in retrofitting older shops and committing to climate-controlled service bays, Christian Brothers is quietly transforming industry expectations for worker dignity, comfort, and retention.
“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. “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.”
Addressing the Auto Tech Shortage—And Opening Doors for Katy’s Future Workforce
Beyond the corporate strategy, Christian Brothers Automotive’s latest announcement taps into a growing national concern: the critical shortage of skilled automotive technicians. According to the TechForce Foundation’s 2024 Technician Supply & Demand Report, the U.S. is short more than 110,000 auto, diesel, and collision techs annually, with Texas consistently ranking among the states with the highest demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects more than 67,000 new automotive service technician and mechanic job openings each year through 2032 due to retirements and industry growth.
Houston is no exception—and Katy is uniquely positioned to help fill the gap.
Mobile Sidebar Ad
At the high school level, Katy ISD’s Miller Career & Technology Center already offers Automotive Technology I and II courses designed to prepare students for industry certification, apprenticeships, and entry-level careers. The program includes hands-on training with modern diagnostic and repair equipment, and even offers opportunities for students to earn ASE certifications before graduation. The district's commitment to career readiness reflects a growing awareness of trades as a strong alternative to four-year college pathways.
For those seeking to upskill, change careers, or re-enter the workforce—such as veterans or adult learners—the new Christian Brothers Technology & Training Center represents a powerful next step. With vehicle lifts, ADAS systems, and the latest in diagnostic tools, the Katy campus will provide immersive, real-world instruction that complements and extends the foundation already being laid in local schools.
In this way, Katy is becoming more than just a hub for suburban growth—it’s emerging as a meaningful center for workforce development in the skilled trades, directly addressing one of the most pressing labor shortages facing Texas and the nation.
Local Economic Ripple Effects
From a local lens, the impact of this project extends far beyond the shop floor. Construction jobs, new employees relocating to Katy, and increased economic activity will ripple through the area. As more companies look to relocate or expand into Greater Katy, investments like this underscore the city’s growing role as a business and innovation hub—not just a bedroom community.
It’s also a full-circle moment for the company. What began in Mission Bend more than four decades ago has grown into a 315-location, 30-state franchise network. And now, CBA is circling back to its Houston roots to lay the foundation for its next chapter—literally.
Mobile Sidebar Ad
Reinventing Auto Repair with a Human Touch
Christian Brothers Automotive has consistently ranked #1 in Customer Satisfaction among Aftermarket Full-Service Maintenance and Repair Providers by J.D. Power, winning the top spot six years in a row. Their motto, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” isn’t just a slogan—it’s a business model centered on service and sincerity.
From oil changes to complex diagnostics, and now from high-tech classrooms to air-conditioned bays, the brand’s focus remains the same: care for the people behind the wheel—and under the hood.
As the $12 million training facility breaks ground in Katy, that mission is becoming even more tangible, especially for the local workers who will benefit most.
Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for ongoing coverage of workforce development, business growth, and community-focused updates across Katy and Greater Houston.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
