The Stanley City Council approved the sale of approximately four acres of East Park Land on Junction Avenue east of KS Performance at a cost of $6800 per acre to Louie Raffetto at the February 3rd council meeting at City Hall. The proposed facility, covering about 3,100 square feet, will house an engine machining business that Louie and his son Dominic plan to bring to the Stanley area.
“We obviously think Stanley is a great option,” said Louie Raffetto, owner of Lou’s Hot Rod Shop, an automotive customization shop located on 320th St. in Boyd. He emphasized that the business will not require special utilities as it is a self-contained operation. He explained that the machining equipment would be used specifically for engine machining with the capability of doing some light industrial machining.
“Our main focus is engine machining,” Raffetto commented. He further noted that everything they would need to run the business would be inside the building.
“We’re confident that we can come in, do a good job,” he said. Raffetto expressed confidence in the success of the venture, noting that they don’t want to buy the “bare minimum” but are seeking to purchase the four acres to ensure room for future growth. “We want to purchase enough land that we can grow,” he remarked.
The planned building will be a 12-foot sidewall steel-framed structure, approximately 3,100 square feet, and will be constructed by local contractors. “Our main plan would be to use local contractors. That’s something that’s important to us,” Raffetto explained. “We want to use everyone that’s local.”
Alderperson Mark Fitzsimmons inquired about the demand for this type of business in Stanley. “Is there a need for it?” he questioned.
Raffetto responded affirmatively, recalling that their engine machining service, previously linked to an Advanced Auto Parts franchise, had been closed indefinitely.
“Do we have a need? Absolutely,” Raffetto answered.
He explained that the machine shop was an invaluable resource for many local repair shops, particularly those specializing in light truck, auto, and heavy equipment repairs. It was one of the few places in the area offering such services. “We need that here, especially in an ag community,” he stated. As a family-run business, he expressed a strong desire to bring this essential service back to Stanley and reinvest in the local community.