By Molly Walker
Of the News-Register
Paul and Anne-Marie Roberts have moved their 40-year-old Tigard business,Gray's Automotive Machine Shop, to a rural tract northwest of McMinnville.
Paul grew up on a five-acre farm in Tualatin, complete with a barn and 12 horses. His mother vowed to get rid of the horses if anyone got hurt on them, and when one of them threw Paul, breaking his leg, she was true to her word.
His father bought another kind of pony, a Ford Mustang, as a replacement. And that fueled a life-long love of the automotive realm.
Paul began working for the machine shop's founder, Mick Gray, at the age of 16. Their association began as a career exploration placement and grew from there.
"He was like a second dad," Paul said.
He worked for Gray for 32 years. When Gray died in 2010, he and Anne-Marie bought the business from his widow.
They decided to move it so they could live and work on the same property and ease into a slower paced lifestyle. They found the perfect place just outside of McMinnville on Northwest Berry Creek Road — a 3.87 acre tract with a home and a horse riding arena.
They turned the arena into shop quarters, and launched the moving process.
Anne-Marie said they had some consternation about relocating such a long-established business. "Your heart is in your throat," she said.
But so far, she said, it seems to be working.
They did most of the barn conversion work themselves. They said the county planning staff helped them navigate the permitting process, for which they are extremely grateful.
Moving the shop's big and bulky machining equipment, not to mention many truck and trailer loads of tools and parts, took a crew of professionals. Paul and his son, Marcus, provided oversight and assistance, which kept thm going 14 hours a day for two weeks.
But Anne-Marie said it proved well worth the effort.
"The folks out here are all so wonderful," she said. "The neighbors are great." She said everyone has been gracious, friendly, polite and welcoming.
Paul's customer base extends from Southwestern Washington to Central Oregon. Most of its members are using to driving long distance for the kind of specialized service he provides, so had no problem making the move with him.
Paul has a special love for Ford products, starting with his bright orange 1970 Ford Mustang 428 Cobra. However, he will work on most anything.
He estimates 60 percent of his customers own some kind of muscle car. The range extends to include dirt track cars, drag racers, sand rails and show cars.
One vehicle emerging from his garage was featured on the cover of Four Wheeler magazine. He has a copy displayed in his shop.
Paul used to work on a lot more stock cars, but has come increasing to focus on racing and performance type rigs. "A guy finds his niche," he said.
"You don't get rich," he said. "You make a living. You've got to love your job."
Marcus, a recent high school grad, harbors similar interests. He plans to enroll at Chemeketa Community College to study machining and manufacturing.
The couple also has an adult daughter, Megan, with a grandchild on the way.
Of the News-Register
Paul and Anne-Marie Roberts have moved their 40-year-old Tigard business,Gray's Automotive Machine Shop, to a rural tract northwest of McMinnville.
Paul grew up on a five-acre farm in Tualatin, complete with a barn and 12 horses. His mother vowed to get rid of the horses if anyone got hurt on them, and when one of them threw Paul, breaking his leg, she was true to her word.
His father bought another kind of pony, a Ford Mustang, as a replacement. And that fueled a life-long love of the automotive realm.
Paul began working for the machine shop's founder, Mick Gray, at the age of 16. Their association began as a career exploration placement and grew from there.
"He was like a second dad," Paul said.
He worked for Gray for 32 years. When Gray died in 2010, he and Anne-Marie bought the business from his widow.
They decided to move it so they could live and work on the same property and ease into a slower paced lifestyle. They found the perfect place just outside of McMinnville on Northwest Berry Creek Road — a 3.87 acre tract with a home and a horse riding arena.
They turned the arena into shop quarters, and launched the moving process.
Anne-Marie said they had some consternation about relocating such a long-established business. "Your heart is in your throat," she said.
But so far, she said, it seems to be working.
They did most of the barn conversion work themselves. They said the county planning staff helped them navigate the permitting process, for which they are extremely grateful.
Moving the shop's big and bulky machining equipment, not to mention many truck and trailer loads of tools and parts, took a crew of professionals. Paul and his son, Marcus, provided oversight and assistance, which kept thm going 14 hours a day for two weeks.
But Anne-Marie said it proved well worth the effort.
"The folks out here are all so wonderful," she said. "The neighbors are great." She said everyone has been gracious, friendly, polite and welcoming.
Paul's customer base extends from Southwestern Washington to Central Oregon. Most of its members are using to driving long distance for the kind of specialized service he provides, so had no problem making the move with him.
Paul has a special love for Ford products, starting with his bright orange 1970 Ford Mustang 428 Cobra. However, he will work on most anything.
He estimates 60 percent of his customers own some kind of muscle car. The range extends to include dirt track cars, drag racers, sand rails and show cars.
One vehicle emerging from his garage was featured on the cover of Four Wheeler magazine. He has a copy displayed in his shop.
Paul used to work on a lot more stock cars, but has come increasing to focus on racing and performance type rigs. "A guy finds his niche," he said.
"You don't get rich," he said. "You make a living. You've got to love your job."
Marcus, a recent high school grad, harbors similar interests. He plans to enroll at Chemeketa Community College to study machining and manufacturing.
The couple also has an adult daughter, Megan, with a grandchild on the way.
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Gray's Automotive Machine Shop, LLC / Gray's Performance Engines / Gray's Racing Engines
13750 NW Berry Creek Road, McMinnville OR 97128, USA 503-620-4353
13750 NW Berry Creek Road, McMinnville OR 97128, USA 503-620-4353
