Paint and collision chain Maaco is looking to expand into the Birmingham market - potentially to six locations that would employ up to 60 people in total.

The company already has seven locations in Alabama, from Mobile to Huntsville, but none in the Magic City area.

"For whatever reason, we do not have a presence there, and so it's our top target," said Dennis Elliott, vice president of development for Maaco. "It's got a growing workforce, it's business friendly, and we think there's a lot of potential there."

Begun in 1972 in Delaware, Maaco specializes in the automotive paint and collision repair and cosmetic repair market, but with a difference. Maaco is focused on the retail side, with more walk-in traffic rather than repairs through the insurance market. A significant portion of its business also comes through fleet service.

The company has more than 500 independently owned and operated franchises in North America.

It usually takes about six to nine months to get a location up and running, Elliott said. The company would like to have up to six operational in Birmingham within three years.

Opportunities exist to operate more than one location also. Each Maaco usually employs about 10 people.

"We want somebody who buys into the system," Elliott said. "We have a true playbook that works. They don't have to have automotive experience. We're looking for someone who can manage people, who can take control and who has an entrepreneurial spirit. You can make a really good living in a business of your own."

Anyone interested in inquiring about franchising in Birmingham should contact Director of Franchising P.J. Nee at (704) 998-8188.