MT. LAUREL, NJ- There was plenty of fanfare and camaraderie during the grand opening celebration at the new Automotive Resources International (ARI) world headquarters here. The 177,000-square-foot facility now houses approximately 700 employees who work in the customer support, fleet management, information technology, finance and sales and marketing departments of this leading global car and truck fleet solutions provider.

The celebration began with a ribbon cutting ceremony and a speech by ARI President Carl Ortell.

"This state-of-the-art facility better empowers ARI to showcase the total partnership approach that makes our company unique in our industry, and it underscores our commitment to both employee development and well paying job creation in the state of New Jersey," Ortell said. "With ample space for future expansion, it represents a long-term solution for accommodating the revenue growth we anticipate."

Speeches by Mindy Holman, president and CEO of ARI's parent company, Holman Automotive Group, Kathleen Enos, ARI Partner of the Year 2010, and Debra DiLorenzo, president and CEO of the Southern N.J. Chamber of Commerce, followed. ARI also conducted guided tours and treated guests to a buffet luncheon.

Since completion of the acquisition of the facility in Oct. 2009, ARI spent the past year outfitting the building with state-of-the-art equipment, systems and furnishings to ensure continued industry leadership. The celebration, attended by clients, employees, dignitaries and the media, marked the culmination of that process.

ARI will continue to run fleet management and operations centers in Maple Shade, N.J., and Grapevine, Texas, plus 23 sales and operations offices in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. Additionally, divisions are located in Mexico City, Brussels and Zurich to provide global fleet support to ARI clients.

About ARI

ARI, a subsidiary of Holman Automotive based in Mt. Laurel, N.J., is an industry leader and the largest privately-held vehicle fleet management company in the world. As a single-source fleet management leader, ARI customizes innovative solutions that streamline fleet operations, help lower the cost of fleet ownership and create long-term value for customers.

Today, with a workforce numbering more than 1,400 and offices throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Europe, the company manages more than 2,000 outsourced fleets (over 700,000 autos and trucks) in North America and, combined with its strategic partners, more than 2.0 million fleet vehicles globally. For additional information, visit http://www.arifleet.com.