By Jim Utter
Director of Journalism
Michigan-based Jax Kar Wash has kicked off 2025 with rapid expansion, adding nine new locations in the first quarter alone.
The new locations – which have come through a mix of acquisitions and greenfield developments – bring Jax to 50 locations across Michigan and Wisconsin.
So far this year, Jax has opened new locations in Madison Heights, Romeo Plank, and Northville, Michigan, and in Franklin and Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. In Wisconsin, Jax operates under the Jilly’s Car Wash Brand.
The expansion reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to making top-tier car care more accessible to customers across both states.
“This quarter has been one of our most exciting yet, with a combination of conversions, new builds, and acquisitions pushing us to new heights,” Jon Zimmerman, CEO of Jax Kar Wash, said in a statement.
“Jax’s growth continues to cement itself as the largest and fastest growing car wash in Metro Detroit. We’re dedicated to growing smart, delivering the best car wash experience, and serving more communities than ever before.”
Jax has also been actively expanding through acquisition over the past 12 months and closed on a pair of deals in Michigan. In October, Jax completed a deal on the purchase of six operating Clean View locations and several additional sites for future greenfield builds.
In March of this year, the company closed on the acquisition of Lighthouse Car Wash in Ann Arbor, Michigan, which, combined with significant investments in its existing Ann Arbor location, will provide Jax a stronger footprint in the area.
Focusing its growth in high-traffic areas, Jax’s expansion brings customers an assortment of upgraded amenities, including interior cleaning at eight locations and indoor self-vacuums at two locations.
The growth isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
The company plans to open more locations in 2025. In addition, Jax will undertake major renovations at several existing locations to elevate customer experience and upgrade its service.
Jax Kar Wash has been serving customers in Michigan with its custom car washing services for over 70 years, including full-service car washes, express exterior-only car washes, and express auto detailing sites.
In February 2022, TRP Capital Partners, a Birmingham, Michigan-based private equity firm, took an ownership stake in Jax Kar Wash. Since 1997, TRP has invested over $1.2 billion in 33 platform transactions and its portfolio companies have executed over 200 add-on acquisitions or greenfield openings.
