A local car dealership has reopened several weeks after temporarily closing its business to all services.

Lehighton Ford Inc., in Lehighton, has been open since May 11, according to Bill Klepeiss, general manager.

“The only reason we closed on a temporary basis was to conserve cash while we waited to gain approval for the SBA/PPP loan that we applied for,” Klepeiss said. “Once we knew that (we) were getting the loan, I reopened the business.”

The dealership chose to temporarily close the business to all services on April 24 until it was permitted to expand its services.

Klepeiss said at that time the decision was due to the downturn in business as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Up until the close of business, he said they had been operating in accordance with the directions received from the Pennsylvania governor’s office, as they were allowed to perform vehicle maintenance services and sell parts.

Klepeiss said at that time the dealership applied for the SBA loan through the PPP program, but had not been successful in obtaining one in the first round.