A new name, larger location and more services are being offered by a company formerly known as Rhino Linings on National Road.
Now known as RLC Truck and Auto Accessories, the family-owned business has relocated to an industrial area just west of U.S. 31 at West Lowell Road.
Owner Brett Cruser said a grand opening celebration is being planned at the new location, 4515 Progress Drive.
Greenwood businessman Marty Harriman opened the first Rhino Linings in Columbus, when the company was mostly known for doing spray-on protective coatings for truck beds, trailers, all-terrain and recreational vehicles.
RLC Truck and Auto Accessories has evolved into a seven-employee operation to offer what Cruser described as a one-stop automotive aftermarket featuring products from WeatherTech and Double Diamond.
“If it doesn’t come from the factory, we can add it,” said Cruser, who said his company also does window tinting and will soon offer auto detailing.
In addition, the company has expanded into offering concrete coatings for garage floors, as well as for pool decks, basements and patios, Cruser said.
The new location provides almost 11,000 square feet of space — about 3,000 more than its former location north of Eastbrook Plaza, Cruser said.
One new employee was added with the move, but Cruser said he anticipates doing more hiring as his customer base continues to grow.
Founded in San Diego, California, in 1988, Rhino Linings has retail applicators in 80 countries, according to the company’s website.
The original Columbus store, opened by Harriman in 1991, was located on Second Street next to the former Bob’s Car Wash.
Although the Greenwood businessman owned six of the franchises at one time, he eventually sold all of them — including the leased Columbus location to Cruser in 2007.
After Columbus Downtown, Inc. bought the Second Street property in 2012 for an indoor sports complex that never materialized, Cruser moved the business to the National Road location.
Two years later, Cruiser began his efforts to rebrand his business by expanding services, which was the main reason for the new name, he said.
